Armstrong Despedida

The biggest blessing of living overseas in an expat community is the incredible people that we meet.  These people become like our extended family.  We could truly call on any one of the people in the group photo if we were in need.  We even call on each other when we just want to escape the bars on our windows or set off on another Peruvian adventure.  Our time in Peru has been such a blessing and these people are a large reason for that.

We said goodbye to this great family last week as they head back to the States for a couple of months before heading to Montevideo, where Brother Armstrong has been called as the new mission president.  

This is their incredible daughter Stacey who I have had the privilege of really getting to know in Young Women.  She is a light to all of those around her, always has a great attitude and is so full of life.  She always makes me laugh! I would still love her to pieces even if she didn't love to play with my hair. :)

  

Our Expat Church Family

Cub Scouts (technically Lone Scouts)

A big thank you to Cherilyn for all of her effort in organizing great activities for these boys.  Cherilyn took the initiative and volunteered her time to help these boys with their scout certifications.  They meet twice a month and always have a great time!  This was the Blue and Gold ceremony.  

Oh, the things that we do to make our kids happy.

Little Buddies

I really love listening to these two play together.   They are such a hoot.

EDITED: I just found a few more adorable photos of these two little hams.

Peyton

I want a puppy.  No I changed my mind, I want a walrus.

The Sunbeams of La Molina

Kennedy, Emma, Sarah and Sophia

I just wanted to share this cute photo of the Sunbeams in La Molina.  Their teacher is Carol Waddell.  She is a shining example of magnifying a calling no matter how big or small.  Each Sunday afternoon, she sends home an email with the lesson topic, any follow-up activities that the girls can do throughout the week and possible FHE ideas.  Today they learned about the Creation, made a paper flower garden, looked at various seeds and then received a real one to give to someone else.

This is such also a unique class because these girls are such good friends and Sister Waddell can really tailor the lessons to the needs of little princesses.   Emma just moved into the ward 2 weeks ago and it will be fun to get to know her.  Sarah's is the youngest of 5 until Wednesday when she becomes the big sister of two more sweet baby girls and Kennedy spends at least 6 days a week with Sophia.  These two are like cousins who can sit together with a small set of figurines and play for hours - literally.

We are so blessed to be a part of the La Molina Ward.  This ward has helped to strengthen the testimonies of each member of our family and will always hold a special place in our heart.

And just for journaling sake, I should mentioned that Sophie offered a prayer today in Primary.  I only heard about it later, but apparently she blessed Divercity (the indoor amusement park) and all the people so that they didn't go too far into the water and become sharks (or get eaten by sharks, though Abe insists she said socks).  Eventually, she prayed for reverence. The entire primary for laughing, which was just more fuel to the fire.  She is such a ham and keeps us all on our toes.  This was so Sophie.