Marler Missionaries

The Art of Saying Good-bye

We are learning so many things from the wonderful friends we have met her in Peru,

some are glorious and wonderful, besos and abrazos for example.

Everyone kisses and hugs upon coming and going,

and sometimes in-between.

Meals too, are an expression of love, whether at home, in a park, or in a restaurant,

it is in the sharing and conversation that we find joy.

The people openly show they love to those closest to them, their family and friends.

It is a very common thing to see teenage grandsons accompanying their grandmothers to market,

arm in arm. I love this way of living, and showing love.

As the mission is dividing, we are saying good-bye to those that we have grown to love.

Our first stop was Chimbote, we met with the stake presidents and their wives to

express our love and appreciation for them and the wonderful friendship that has

been formed over the last 2 years.

We didn't expect this to happen only 2/3 of the way though our mission,

but, the time is upon us.

President and Sister Acosta (Chimbote Peru Stake), Presidente and Sister Guillen (Chimbote Sur Stake, The Marler's, President and Sister Mendez (Kurt's 1st counselor)

President and Sister Barrosa (Casma District) and President and Sister Franco

(Chimbote Buenos Aires Stake).

Folks don't just say good-bye, especially before long partings, they talk, hug, kiss and

share the the hope of returning to one another. It is an art of caring, sharing and loving.

Photos are another sign of showing love. Homes have pictures of friends and loved ones on

their living room walls, in photo books and they remember

the name and date of each person and their visit.

We North Americans could learn a lot about the art of the dispedida.

The art of sharing lives with eternal friends.

We took the Trujillo Peru Sur Mission Assistants with us, to introduce them to the Stake Presidents.

As they will be working closely with them over the next few months.

Though it is hard to part, it is worth the love, the friendship and joy that we have found here in Chimbote. We will look forward to seeing you all from time to time at the temple.

…and what joy we will have when we meet together at Jesus' feet.

We love you all, me encanta Chimbote!

Despedida al Aeropuerto

Everyone loves to come and say good-bye to "their missionary".

Sometimes it was a convert they worked with, other times their pensionista,

Other times a ward friend, or Bishop.

Elder Zacarias, Sister Wisa and Elder Condori with friends from the Barrio.

Sister Sarat, waiting to find out if she really gets to go home.

Whatever the reason we love this custom.

Elder Tarazona.

Elder Condori.

Elder Solorzano.

Sister Wisa.

Elder Zacarias, Elder Bond, Elder Condori, Sister Huayton, and Sister Wisa.

and a photo bomb by Elder Winterton in the background!

Elder Retemal.

Elder Spencer, with the Arana and other members.

Elder Tarazona and Elder Retemal.

last hugs, good-byes and words of advice.

God be with you 'til we meet again.

Missionaries pass the English Exam!

Elder Retemal passed with flying colors.

Elder Cruz found English will be a real asset in his job as a doctor.

Elder Zacarias with President Marler.

Elder Tarazona received his English Certificate.

Hermana Hannah Downs receiving her certificate of mission completion.

It was terrific to have her here.

Because of the temple dedication, we had this group of missionaries an extra week. The kept themselves busy, they visited those from the temple open house that had requested visits, they gave specialized trainings to companionships throughout the mission, and they worked in the office with Sister Vaughan and Sister Angell.

Elder Swaney, Elder Solorzano, Elder Cuevas, Elder Pearce, Elder Harris, Elder Retemal, Elder Bates, Elder Winterton, Elder Zacarias, Elder Brown, Sister Guevara, Sister Huayton, Heremana Wisa, Hermana Degracia and Hermana Sarat.

Elder Cuevas and his mom!

Elder Condori, Elder Spencer and Elder Solorzano.

Cuevas and Swaney families.

Elder Harris

Elder Bates and Elder Swaney

Elder Alvaro and Solorzano with Elder Herrera,.

Pablo Cortez with Elder Tarazona.

Heramana Degracia and Hermana Huayton enjoy the Cultural Celebration Practice.

The highlight of their week was attending the Cultural Celebration
and Dedication of the Trujillo Temple
and attending the first public session.

Brother Brown comes to Town

As my kids would say, "wait for it, wait for it"

Brother Brown and Elder Brown in their first embrace after 2 years!

Elder Brown with the office "elders" (and sisters, of course)

Elder Haacke, Elder Heward, Sister Vaughan, Elder Romero, Sister Angell,

Elder Brown and Elder Bond.

We are sure going to miss you, but your mom is going to be so happy when you get home…

don't forget to visit Naples!

A Mini Mission Reunion

Many of our past missionaries retuned for the Trujillo Temple Dedication,

So we invited everyone over for a Family Home Evening.

Jeremy Leavitt, fiancé Val, Viva Oldroyd and Wade Dority.

A few Mission Presidents, The Mora's, The Turk's and the Marler's

José Oyarzon and Pablo Cortez.

Mariela Paiva, Franschesca Panchi, and Maria Bedoya.

Kessler Schimp and his brother.

Pablo Cortez and Leandro Varrenti.

Leon Catillo and his lovely wife.

Jordan Massey and Spencer Smith with his lovely wife, McKenna.

Eliza Evans, Roxie Lasike, Alexa Pullan, and Brady Dow.

Is this a "selfie" or an "us-ie"?

Sister Turk and Sam Anderson.

The group…oh my!

Cristian Zavaleta and Jair Castillo.

Leandro Varenti, Jesus Espinosa, Spencer Smith, Chance Boekweg, Cristian Zavaleta,

Wade Dority, Elder Schimp and his brother.

Fun times together.

…and more selfie-s

Jessica Fackrell, Jacob's wife, Sister Marler, Hannah Downs, Mariela Paiva, Alexis Pullan, Sister Maribel Risco Dominguez, Mariela Bodoya, Franscheca Panchi, Eliza Evans.