Guinea Pigs, Alpacas and Tarantulas

Of course the first thing that everyone does after they receive their mission call is look up everything there is to know about the place that they are serving--and I was no exception.  After finding out that I am going to Lima, Peru, I spent the next 48 hours learning everything about Lima from the climate to the dialect of Spanish spoken there.

I discovered that my mission is in the same time zone as Oklahoma, so I will be in the same time zone as my family..kinda cool.  I found out that I will never be cold on my mission, but I will also never be dry--the humidity is always between 85-100%.  I also learned about the kinds of things that I will be eating for the next year and a half: guinea pigs, alpacas, bugs, rice, and beans.  Since when are guinea pigs, alpacas, and bugs edible?!  Blegh.  

A few days ago I was in a hippie store at the mall with my family, and we found this beauty.  This, ladies and gentlemen, is a Peruvian tarantula.  Looks like it's a good thing I sleep with my mouth closed.  

But the good news is that Peru is gorgeous.  The people seem wonderful and the church is true.  It will all be worth it..even if I have to eat guinea pigs and fight off tarantulas.