I am going to step beyond professional boundaries and let you into a personal part of my life.

As I stated in my biography, I served a mission to Peru. Every missionary knows the feelings of love and tenderness that grow out of serving others the way the Lord intended. They also all know the pain of leaving behind the people of their mission. To board that plane in a final farewell is to literally leave behind a piece of your heart.

Every day for 25 years I have been warmed in some way by a memory or thought associated with my mission. I have deeply missed the people and been strengthened by my experience among them in more ways than I can count. The first noticeable growth of my testimony began among the rich love of the Peruvian people. They changed my life more than I ever touched theirs.

Most missionaries know that they will never return to their missions. I, however, have always held on to the quiet hope that one day the Lord would allow me to return. I didn’t know how or when, but I felt the Lord would bless me by allowing me to see those people I loved so much once more.

Three weeks ago my brother called me with some very surprising news. He and his family, along with a small group of other Church members, are going to Peru to assist the people in a rural mountain village by building a fence around their crops and doing some other humanitarian work. Knowing of my love for Peru he asked me to join them. Overwhelmed and overjoyed, I said yes.

So, the last three weeks have been a whirlwind of preparations. I have sent away for my passport, received my inoculations, finalized travel arrangements and thanked the Lord a thousand times for the opportunity to return and the generosity of my brother who made this all possible. Friends and relatives have stepped forward in support, including my dear mother who will be staying in our home helping to care for my six children while I am gone, allowing my husband to continue to work during day.

So I have decided that, for the next two months, I will post periodic updates of my preparations, my feelings and my fears, as well as my time there. Maybe, together, we will see rich blessings unfold. Maybe lives far beyond the mountain village of Pirca will be touched.

I hope you enjoy the journey.