Happy November!

Hola Family and Friends,

Yes, I know it has been some time since I last wrote. This is not because I was eaten by a llama or fell off a mountain, I've just been very lazy. There isn't a whole lot to report on because I have spent most of the last few weeks in bed. Yes, I am still sick. I get better for a couple days and then something else hits me. I went almost a whole week without being really sick, but that's my record so far. But no worries, Berta takes good care of me and today after church I asked the Bishop for a blessing. I doubt my health will be perfect until my return, but I do know things will be ok.

 Rosanna has moved houses so I now have a new house in Cuzco. It's not too far, a little smaller, but very beautiful and in a very nice neighborhood. I still sleep at her house on the weekends for church. She no longer houses students but wants me to stay at her house when i come into Cuzco for church (for the money I pay her, I'm sure). My room is on the third floor and has a great view - I'll take some pictures next weekend.

Halloween was pretty fun as we spent it in Urabmaba. It's very similar here in that kids dress up, ask people for candy, and lots of people get drunk. I wasn't feeling too great that evening so we just walked around with the kids, watched a movie, and called it a night. 

Oh, that morning I went to church in Urabamba and met the senior missionaries who happen to be from Pleasant Grove! Crazy, huh? They don't know Dad and Susan and I forgot to ask them about Jodi's parents so I'll have to ask them that next time. Their kids are coming in a couple weeks to visit and they really want me to meet their son who just returned from his mission. Maybe he's a cutie...we'll see.  They were very nice and helpful though. The branch in Urabamba is quite large, but very inactive. There would hardly be a primary if the local orphanage didn't attend. 

After church we went to Moray! More ruins of the Incan people and so very awesome. While on our way there we met three people from Korea and shared a cab with them and hung out with them for the trip. The guy (there were two girls and one guy) kept wanting his picture with me. I think he was just being friendly and such but not Berta, she likes to tease me about it and how he had a crush on me. Oh and the Friday before Halloween the stake in Cuzco had another dance. I left with two roses and a guy's number - oh, it's fun here in Peru. 

Myrthe, Jin, and Michael (my friends from the language school in Cuzco), have all returned home now (well Myrthe is now in Bolivia continuing her Journey) so Cuzco isn't as exciting now on the weekends. I come in on Saturday for church and return Sunday. It's nice to have an evening to myself here in Cuzco, but I miss having friends to go out with. Hopefully I'll meet new friends but if not, that's ok. 


Teaching English at Alvaro's school has been going well. I'm getting nervous for the next few weeks because now we are past the very basics and well, I'm just not an English teacher. Things will be okay though as my dear mother helps me out and gives me advice via internet. So I have been talking with Berta and as soon as Alvaro turns 18 she would like to send him to the States to go to school. So I guess we're planning on him going to school in Utah and living with me. I'm ok with that as I adore the kid, but it is 7 years away.

Well, I'll try to write again soon and not leave you hanging for so long. I would appreciate prayers for my health and safety, and I pray for all my family and friends back home as well every night.

With love, Alyssa.