Week 68 ~ MACHU PICCHU

And now the highlight of our week-long trip to Cusco, what millions of people come to Peru to see, The Lost City of the Inca's. The Spanish never found it and finally abandoned about 1540, the jungle took it over until 1911, over 400 years. A man by the name of Hyrum Bingham (actually an inactive Mormon) was taken to the ruins by a local farmer on a cold and rainy day.

We stayed in Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. It is a very small town in existence solely for the tourists, and there are no taxis or trucks. In fact, there is no road to Aguas Calientes. When the train arrives with supplies, hired hands have to transport everything by wheelbarrow up the hill . . . everything!

It was Friday morning, rising at 5:00 to be in the bus line by 5:30am for our ride up the mountain to see the sun rise at Machu Picchu. There are 24 buses that carry people up and down the mountain and there were already a few hundred people in line so we had to stand there for over an hour. Finally it was our turn. As we got closer to the archeological site, we could see it hugging the mountain in front of us, peeking out between the trees, and then we were there. 

After passing through the ticket stile, there it was spread before us as the morning fog was lifting and the sun shining through. It was magnificent! After all the pictures we’ve seen, we weren’t ready for the true splendor, like seeing the Grand Canyon in person for the first time.

 The Lost City of the Inca's

We spent the next few hours with our guide as he explained the significance of the different areas, and then by 11:00, we were left to explore on our own.  We continued to explore all around, places we walked through too quickly or passed by altogether.
We enjoyed quiet time just sitting, pondering and feeling the special spirit there. There were so many people, but only a few of the most popular structures were really crowded. The park allows 2,500 visitors a day but it has exceeded that number in the last few years. Before I realized it, 2:00 had arrived and it was time to go back down the hill. In the picture above, you can hike both of the mountains. The most popular is Waynapicchu, the big mountain, and it takes about an hour. We took over 140 pictures so of course only the very best can be included here to share this special place.

 


Anthony Bourdain said it right, "It’s an irritating reality that many places and events defy description. The Grand Canyon and Machu Picchu, for instance, seem to demand silence, like a love affair you can never talk about. For a while after, you fumble for words, trying vainly to assemble a private narrative, an explanation, a comfortable way to frame where you’ve been and what’s happened. In the end, you’re just happy you were there, with your eyes open, and lived to see it.    

Week 66 and 67 ~ The Sacred Valley

There was lots to see traveling through the Sacred Valley. It’s called that because the weather is so wonderful located between two mountain ranges. The ground is fertile and the weather perfect for farming. We visited the little town of Chinchero. While driving through town, there was a real wedding parade that was so cool to see with the bride and groom at the front with half the town marching, singing and dancing behind right down the main street. We drove up the hill to a local home/tourist stop and from that location, we could look down the hill and see the wedding celebration and hear the music in the courtyard of the little church.

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 Here we were shown the ancient technique of how the llama and alpaca hair was washed with a natural root soap. It was amazing to learn how to dye the llama and alpaca hair with natural colors from plants and rocks. The baby was in the knapsack on the back of the mother. She was so cute and happy to see us when she woke up.

On our journey through the Sacred Valley, we visited the Moray archeological site which are huge experimental agriculture terraces built to take advantage of some natural depressions that sunk like funnels below the level of the hot, semi-arid plain. Each of the holes had seven terraces, a special and significant number in their belief of completeness and perfection, both physical and spiritual. As with many other Inca sites, it also has a sophisticated irrigation system.

Moray Agricultural Site

Here is a picture sample of the way of life in the Sacred Valley

Below, a beautiful canyon for salt mining called the Saltflats of Maras. Water comes out of the mountain loaded with salt and is channeled to fill thousands of small shallow pools that look like miniature terraces built onto the side of the ravine. When the salt dries, it is harvested by scraping the salt with two wood slats, carried out of the canyon, cleaned and bagged for export, all still done by hand by a combination of about 35 families.

We visited the sanctuary complex of Ollantaytambo that is one of the finest in all of Peru.  The terraces climb up the mountain like any of the great pyramids and from a distance, the whole complex is built in the shape of a llama. It was of religious and astronomical use mostly with areas for agriculture and livestock. During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Inca Emperor Pachacuti who conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial center. At the time of the Spanish conquest of Peru in 1536, it served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui, leader of the Inca resistance, because it was surrounded by the mountains and natural defenses. It finally fell to the Spanish in 1540.

Ollantaytambo

Week 64 and 65 ~ Seeing the Sights in Cusco

My brother David and his wife Judy came to Peru to share our mission experience with us. We enjoyed some of the sights in Lima but the big trip was to fly to Cusco and meet up with our tour guide Betho. He took us on an amazing trip to the archeological sights around Cusco, more sites to see as we drove through the Sacred Valley, and the highlight of the trip, Pachu Picchu. Since it takes me so long to get all the pictures organized, the next few blogs will show the wonderful experience we shared as we traveled together for a week in the highlands of Peru.

Our trip to 

Cusco and Machu Picchu

After arriving in Cusco, we went to the amazing ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo, both in the surrounding hills of Cusco. The elevation of Cusco is about 10,000 feet so we had a little trouble with being dizzy and light headed but it didn’t stop me from climbing as high as I could at Sacsayhuaman. The stonework was so awesome and our guide pointed out where the significant animal shapes were. AMAZING!! The impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman strategically built on a hill from where all Cusco can be seen. It is famous for its enormous carved stones, some of which are 30 feet tall and weigh over 350 tons. At the top was a huge tower (pretty much leveled now) that reminded me of King Noah’s tower that overlooked the whole area for surveillance. At this site, there is a huge open field where once a year the Inti Raymi is held. It is a huge Sun Festival held in June with costumes, music, parade with the Inca and food. We hear it is pretty crazy. 

Qenqo Sacred Ruins

The pictures below are of the La Merced Convent and Museum, a beautiful collection of art all along the walls and the architecture is grand. This property has been bought out and it will be turned into a high-end hotel by next year, closed to the general public. Such a shame.

La Merced Museum

Week 63 ~ Visit to Ecuador

We had a meeting scheduled in Ecuador so we took a few extra days to enjoy the countryside and breath the fresh air. Below are some of the pictures. Top left picture shows where our resort was located on the right side of the San Pablo Lake at the base of the mountain. The top middle picture shows a wild flower the locals call the honey flower because the pedals taste like honey. Notice how each new flower grows right out of the center of the previous flower.  Just below that picture is a view of the city of Otavalo. If you look closely at the very bottom right picture, you will see a huge hog hanging from the rafters right along the highway. 

Immediately upon arrival in Ecuador, we were taken to Otavalo, about two hours from Quito up in the mountains. We stayed at Cabanas del Lago, a very lovely resort right on San Pablo Lake. It was so peaceful, so quiet, flowers and hummingbirds everywhere with gently rolling, totally green mountains in every direction as a backdrop. It was so heavenly just to sit on our little patio and listen to the waterfall and croaking of the frogs. We had a wonderful dinner in the lodge before retiring for the night, only to be escorted by the maintenance man who started our very own fire in the cabin. We played cards and watched TV until we fell asleep.

The following day, the hotel called for an all day taxi for us to see the sights. Freddy picked us up and took us to Condor Park, Pequche Waterfall, the famous artisans market in Otavalo and around the corner for lunch. Then we drove out to Laguna de Cuicocha, a volcano crater with a lake similar to Crater Lake in Oregon, about 13,000 feet. We even took the little boat ride. All day Joe was able to talk to Freddy about the church, the first vision, purpose of temples and the Book of Mormon.

Pequeche Falls, Otavalo

Freddy then took us to a beautiful area where we hiked for about 20 minutes to beautiful water fall, Peguche, which flows out of the very lake we stayed the night before.  It was a beautiful hike along a cobble stoned path.  As we approached the falls we could hear roaring power.  This placed has some very spiritual significance for the indigenous people of the areas.  Peguche Waterfall with its height of 18 meters is considered as a spiritual and ritual site of indigenous people who a few days before the Inti Raymi celebration (sun & harvest celebration held on June 21st) come to the waterfall to take baths in order to prepare themselves spiritually for the Inti Raymi.  

Laguna de Quicocha

     

We loved the country side, winding our way up the mountain at close to 4000 meters or about 13,000 ft.  What an incredible place.  The name of the volcanic lake is “Cuicocha”the name of the volcano is “Cotacachi”.  It is absolutely breath taking.  The volcano erupted over 3000 yrs. ago covering the entire with volcanic ash.  Through the centuries there were several other eruptions, not for the last 2000 yrs though.  The crater filled with water from the rain and ground and is about 500 ft. deep. There are no fish in the lake, however, because of the mineral content of the water. We took a boat ride and were given a glimpse of this massive natural wonder.  

Exporting Ecuador Roses

Roses from Ecuador are the most sought after flowers in the world, making Ecuador the biggest exporter of roses after the Netherlands. Most of the roses go to the United States and Europe with Valentines and Mother's Day being the biggest days exporting tons of roses. The roses have unique characteristics because they have such long stems and the pedals are so thick and firm. They come in a huge variety of colors. In Ecuador, roses are everywhere. At every restaurant we ate, there were roses on every table . . . not just one but 5-6. There are always huge arrangements on the buffet tables and in the lobbys and even in our room.

The City of Otavalo

We, I, had a meeting with the brethren, AAAs.  Diane was so sick and felt so sad she could not attend.  I read her sweet testimony she had worked so long and hard to memorize.  There was a very sweet spirit that started our meeting right.  All were in attendance, Arturo Espinoza, Gustavo Villacrez, Richard Prado, José Intriago, and Carlos Puruncajas.  It was a wonderful meeting with these dear brothers.  I truly feel they are my close friends.  I still struggle to express what I really feel deep in my heart.  I hope my love for them is evident because their love for me surely is. We met at the Church Office here in Quito.  Quito was the first Area Office of the Church in the South America North Area.  The office was then moved to Bogotá Colombia and then to Lima Peru when the area became the South America Northwest area.  




We were blessed with the opportunity to meet this wonderful family of Freddy, wife Ruth and their three beautiful children.  We had the spent the day with Freddy a few days before.  During the day we listened to this man express his testimony of Christ numerous times.  Before the day was over we were able to express our feelings about the Church, the restoration, and the Book of Mormon.  On Sunday he and his family picked us up at the hotel and drove us to the airport.  It's amazing how in a little over an hour the love that can develop between us and people we hardly knew a few days before.  Diane sat in the back with the children and the mother even though they couldn't communicate well in either language, their was lots of laughter, hugs, and the language of love.  It was even hard to say goodbye.  We will follow up with this wonderful little family.

Otavalo Artisans Market

Week 62 ~ Our "super mercado" Totus

Happy Mother’s Day

We always pray for our children and grandchildren. They bring us so much joy. We are so grateful to our children who teach the gospel of Jesus Christ in their homes with trust and faith. Oh, how they bring us so much joy! President Hinckley said, “The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find their roots in the teaching of children by fathers and mothers”.

We honor our mothers and the mothers of our grandchildren.

". . . Hyrum sprang to his feet and exclaimed, 'Joseph, we shall return, for I have seen an open vision in which I saw Mother on her knees under an apple tree praying for us, and she is even now asking in tears for God to spare our lives that she may behold us again in the flesh. And the Spirit testifies to me that her prayers and ours shall be heard.' And from that moment we were healed and went on our way rejoicing.

"'Oh, my Mother,' said Joseph, 'how often have your prayers been a means of assisting us when the shadows of death encompassed us'" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, p. 488).

Shopping for Groceries

One of our weekly "chores" sometimes "bi-weekly chores" is shopping for groceries.  We usually go to a store about one kilometer away, Totus.  Totus is a chain grocery store and is very well stocked with fruit, vegetables, meats, and bakery..  We can get most of the things we want except for the few American items that we always buy.  For example, Diane, trying to find a can of hair spray in Peru is like trying to find snow in Death Valley.  However, we don't complain because we eat quite well and healthy for the most part. When we first arrived in Peru, we were a little frustrated, but now we are accustomed to buying what the Peruvians buy.  This week we wanted to show the "typical" things you can buy a the local super mercado, typical to Peru but very unusual to Americans.

        

Have a happy week shopping at WalMart.

Week 61 ~ Missionary Life

We are constantly reminded while serving here in Peru; 

Be humble

Be teachable

Be thankful

Be cheerful

and always

Be prepared..

Last week was filled with memories and well wishes with good friends. We love our mission and each other. As we celebrated our anniversary, we know we are so blessed to share our lives together, to grow and experience this service in Peru. It just makes us more bond together because it is so different from the lives we had with Jon and Eileen. This mission identifies us together and will be the foundation for the rest of our lives.

The office had an old sewing machine donated so I checked it out until someone else needs it.  At first I took it to my desk so Joe could take it home for me and, oh boy, did that cause a stir among the workers. It was almost as though they had never seen one before . . . really. They were inspecting it and laughing because they saw the movie with Wil Smith in Pursuit of Happiness where he was carrying a sewing machine around and had it on the bus. The bishop came in and even thought there should be a sewing class for the Relief Society sisters. Oh dear. Anyway, Joe managed to get it home in addition to walking his bike. I must say, I feel like the proud owner of a sewing machine!

Joe often takes a bike ride and this is one of his favorite places in the early morning hours.  Except for a little yappy dog it is a very quiet and peaceful place.  The ruins are called "Huaca la Puruchuca", ancient ruins at the base of the mountain surrounding La Molina. This particular morning he rode the bike to the base of the ruins and walked up to explore.  It was a very quiet and serene morning. 

The temple is being cleaned this week. They put scaffolding around the four spires and pressure wash everything, then the walls, etc. There is no rain here so the buildings get really dirty but the church makes sure our buildings are always beautiful. Looking out from our office window, there were three men cleaning the concrete sides and windows of the MTC, three stories high. Downtown, the government buildings and cathedrals are so dirty and with no rain, there is no way to get them clean.

       

Always cleaning

Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday

Week 60 - COCHABAMBA, BOLIVIA

The last few days have been full as we traveled to Cochabamba, Bolivia to conduct a meeting with Assistant Area Auditors from all parts of Bolivia. We arrived a day early to enjoy a little sightseeing and, of course, the fresh air, cooler weather and beautiful countryside. There’s not a lot to see in Cochabamba but there are big tours to the mountains and national parks that are the draw here.

In the pictures above, notice the man with his son. I took the picture to show how small the people are here. His son is maybe three years old. As we walked we came to this darling little girl who was only one year old. Her mother (and other members of the family I suppose) were nearby and smiled as we wanted to take a picture. The mother turned on the little radio to music and the little doll did her little dance which cost us a few coins. If you look closely at the city picture, you can see the temple in the distance, a view from our hotel room.

We had a few wonderful experiences in Cochabamba while walking and sightseeing. One place we stopped at was an antique shop. Of course, Diane was intrigued and the shopkeeper was outside washing the sidewalk. In talking with her, we found her husband had just passed away 7 months earlier with cancer. The shop was run by her husband and now she didn’t know what to do and her knees gave her so much pain. Joe talked with her at length about eternal families and the temple. Every resident in Cochabamba knows about the beautiful temple, but she thought it was only for the leaders of the church and not for all. Joe explained it was for all worthy members of the church, rich or poor, old or young, single or married. She was quite surprised. We left a pass-along card and she gave her permission to have the missionaries. She is pictured second down on the right. Diane even had a dream about helping her organize her shop, making it more appealing to show off the wonderful treasures she had "piled" up.

Then later in the day, we met a young man who was a sidewalk vender (top left) selling linens and old city photographs. As he showed his wares, Joe talked to him about why we were there and that his son David had served as a missionary in Cochabamba 15 years earlier. He was so nice and welcomed our conversation. Although we didn’t talk about the beliefs of the church, we left with a friendship and he was aware that we were missionaries for the Church. Maybe there was a little seed planted for our taking time to visit. While we ate our lunch at an outside patio café, we found our server was LDS (bottom right). She was so excited to have us there for lunch. Small world. Our missionary tags open many doors. Such a joy to be out of the office for a few days among the people!

The vendor squeezing orange juice was so cute we wanted to take her picture. We have learned to always ask and she agreed if we would buy a cup of juice for 7 Bs (about 1 dollar). Joe gave her a 10 Bs paper bill which she quickly whisked into her pocket to begin making the juice . . . no change given. We just looked at each other with surprise but no words. The juice was very fresh and although she didn't like having her picture taken, we got her to smile.

Saturday we met with six of the AAA’s. They are such wonderful men! We work with the best and enjoy their spirit and friendship. The wife of Ariel Escobar (middle picture) came to prepare a refreshment and lunch for our group. It was like eating dinner there was so much food; pasta, rice, mashed potatoes and gravy, all the varieties of vegetables including herbed new potatoes, chicken and beef. There were three kinds of juice, one of which was so delicious. It was peaches with the pits still in, boiled for 8 hours continually adding water which creates a syrup. Add a little cinnamon and cloves and serve cold. For the refreshment break, Gladys had prepared salteñas, similar to chicken pot pie or empanada that you hold in your hand. She will be sharing recipes with me. They are totally Bolivian!

We attended the temple in Cochabamba after our meeting. It is such a beautiful temple and about twice as big as the one in Lima. Really! We were quite amazed and now understand more fully why another temple has been approved for Lima. It was exciting to meet three other missionary couples serving in the temple and after visiting for a bit, found several things in common. 

Week 57 ~ Christ is Risen! Hallelujah!

This is such a special time of year to ponder the magnificent gift of the atonement and resurrection. Here in Peru at the main plaza, they have a large parade with the crucified Christ as the focus. Thousands of people join in the procession. We were encouraged to participate as a once-in-a-lifetime experience but, no thanks. I imagine Holy Week happens pretty much the same around the Christian world.

We rented bikes and rode to the Plaza Mayor about 2.5 miles. We had sweeping views of the ocean most of the day with a cool breeze so it was really delightful. We were separated from the actual beach by huge cliffs so we just enjoyed the view along the bluffs.




A tradition for Holy Week is to have the sidewalks covered in flower carpets. It was amazing to see the people working on them all around the Plaza Mayor in Surco in the heat of the sun and about 80 degrees. Pretty amazing! As part of the Good Friday festivities, a parade procession marches around the plaza stepping right through the beautiful flower carpets! While we were there, tt was still very crowded but worth the visit. We poked our heads into the St. James church built in 1571 in this old part of Lima just to see the main alter and the priest was giving a sermon. It was very busy so didn't get many pictures except of the procession pieces that are carried on people's shoulders.



We also rode another mile or so to the Bridge of Sighs. The legend is if you hold your breath as you cross the bridge your wish will come true.






Joe, Dad and Grandpa Cheney's Testimony:

A little over thirty years ago, my beloved Eileen and I had the marvelous opportunity to travel to the Holy Land with other CES friends.  Our three-week journey began in Rome where we visited in stunned silence the Christian catacombs, Paul’s prison, the Colosseum where Christians were executed as common criminals —their crime being refusal to reverence the Roman gods, and other ancient biblical sites.  We continued on to Egypt where we walked over the ancient sands that Abraham, Moses, and the boy child Jesus and his parents had once been.  Then we spent our final two weeks in the Holy Land where we climbed the mount of olives, visited the tomb of Lazarus, knelt beneath ancient, crooked olive trees, and walked atop the walls of Jerusalem.  We journeyed out of the city to the sea of Galilee where we could say, “we swam today where Jesus once walked”.  We sat together on the mount of Beatitudes at Capernaum and quietly read the sermon Jesus gave on that green grassy hillside so many years ago.  We could almost hear His voice amidst the gentle rustling breeze as we read aloud and pondered his words.

There were many more sites that humbled our hearts and gave deeper meaning and perspective to the stories we had read and listened to so many many times throughout our lives.

As wonderful and tender they were to us, nothing can compare to the early morning walk we took to the garden tomb.  Surprisingly we found ourselves alone in the garden.  To us it was a temple experience.  We quietly sat on an old bench, holding hands and watching and listening to the cooing of the morning doves.  We walked through the garden and ended at the tomb, just an opening in a rock wall.  We lowered our heads and entered.  There in that small room, hewn from rock by human hands thousands of years ago, they lay the body of the Christ.  We quietly shed tears of gratitude.  Then Eileen quietly spoke words that mean more now to me than ever before. She asked me, “what do you see?”  I had a fleeting thought she saw much more than me.  I had so answer, “I see nothing”.  “Exactly!” she said. “I see an empty tomb and isn’t it so wonderful?  Oh dear Joe, He is not here! He is risen!

Eileen always had a strong, tender and abiding testimony of the risen Lord.  She seemed to understand on a much deeper level than most.  Quietly and gently she testified of the resurrection and of the atonement of the Savior. Oh how she loved Him and set a standard for me and our children and grandchildren to follow.  

It will be six years in May that Eileen entered the spirit world. Someday I will be there too, joining my dear eternal sweetheart and because He is not in the tomb, Eileen will rise again and I will rise again with her. Dear children and grandchildren, your mother and grandmother loved and now loves you more than you can ever imagine.  I love you more than I can ever express in words and I place my testimony alongside her’s.  It is simple but has never been more true and sincere.  With all my heart and strength and fervor of soul, I echo Mom’s same words, “oh dear children, He is not here, He has risen.”

Diane's Testimony:

Christmas is a great time of year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the infant babe in Bethlehem, the Son of God. This is the greatest gift of God to us. But Easter is beautiful as we celebrate Jesus Christ, his life, his example, his Gospel, his atonement, and his resurrection. This is the greatest gift of Jesus Christ to us.

I know he lives today and directs the affairs of this church all over the world. He is intimately involved in the missionary service as this work moves forward. I know we are guided and protected individually by the Spirit. Our Father knows us and is aware of our needs.

Life is hard and there are difficult and challenging times. No one is ever prepared for the unexpected . . . unless we expect something so we can be prepared. We need to always be vigilant and prepared spiritually to withstand the tempests that will come, exercising our faith, continual study of the scriptures and gaining strength through sincere prayer. I know, these are always the right answers. I remember hearing about the challenges of life in Relief Society lessons or General Conference talks and thought, my life is so good. I don’t have any real challenges. I now know extreme difficulties and misfortune come to us in this life and we need to always be prepared emotionally and spiritually. I am so thankful my cup was full enough to have the strength to bear the loss of my dear husband. Luke 8:52 "Weep not; [he] is not dead, but sleepeth. . ."

The assurance of the resurrection gives strength and eternal perspective to endure the mortal challenges of this life, by each of us and by those we love. I know separation from those we love is only temporary. I wait with anticipation of being in Jon’s arms again. Faith in the resurrection also gives me a powerful incentive to stay true and upright in my thoughts and actions during the time I have left in mortality so I can be together eternally with my family and with God.

The peace I feel is because of my knowledge I have that my Heavenly Father is aware of me and loves me. I love him and want to live a life worthy of the blessings he has promised.