Hermana Brittany Lowe : Rubias are Rare

Hello everyone!

First week in Ayacucho down! A LOT has happened and I don't know if I will have time to type it all.

The culture here is amazing. So many native Peruvians and traditions that have opened my eyes. Some people here, usually the older generation, still speak the language of Quechua, a native language to Peru, it's not even an option on google translate! I have to learn some basics of it to be able to hold a small conversation and bear my testimony. So crazy.

I stick out SO BAD here, hahaha. I am super tall, white, and blonde. The exact opposite of every single Peruvian. I get stared at all the time and little kids love to come up to me and say Hello! because they know I speak English haha. It's definitely going to take some getting used to.

I'm understanding more Spanish, but it's still hard to communicate with my companion and understand everything in church and meetings. I rely on the already fluent North Americans to help me translate. It's a struggle and I can't wait until I can speak and understand fluently.

My day consists of studying, walking, and trying to interpret everything happening around me, mostly the language. We have been walking the street of Amancais mostly this week, and working with the members and inactive members on the long street. We contact as we go.

We ride the bus everywhere, which is not a fun experience, it is often crowded and super bumpy and hard not to fall flat on your face haha. I have a couple bruises and calluses on my hands from gripping the handle bars so tight haha. But it's better than walking so I shouldn't complain. If we aren't taking a bus, it's a little three wheeler taxi cab. SO FUN haha.

I tried talking to the bishop's four year old son, Amateo the other day and it went bad. The kid knows more spanish than me. I kept saying si? and enserio? the whole time because I could not understand what he was saying. so that's where I'm at.

Yesterday President and Hermana Richey tracted with me and my companion down Amancais! It was super fun. They talk to literally everyone. No fear. Unfortunately none of our appointments that night worked out but we went to a members house and visited with her for awhile and President gave her a blessing. It was cool.

Stake Conference was on Sunday! we stood at the front of the building and welcomed people as they came in. We gave so many kisses and shook so many hands. Here the custom is to kiss the women on their cheeks when you greet them. I was surprised my makeup didn't come right off.

In Peru, I eat mostly rice, potatoes, and bread with small portions of veggies and chicken. So don't be surprised if I'm 50 pounds heavier coming home haha. So many carbs. Other hermanas here have gained 20 or so pounds since being here... so pray for me.

My best friends here on the mission are 1. Spanish to English Dictionary, 2. Hand sanitizier, 3. Sunscreen, and 4. Bugspray

Today we had pday with Pres and Hermana Richey and went to a cool Inca ruins place further up in the mountains! Its called Wari. It was super cool! I'll attach pictures.

The weather is good, warmer in the afternoon and cooler in the morning and at night. Although its pouring rain right now as I am typing. It's usually super dry and dusty here.

Until next week! I'm leaning so much and my brain hurts at the end of the day from so much interpreting and translating but I am so glad to be here! I can't wait until i can speak to the people better! I'll keep working at it. Love you all!

Hugs from Ayacucho,

Hermana Lowe

a book of mormon in QUECHUA, an ancient native language that the older generation speaks here in ayacucho! im going to have to learn my testimony in Quechua so i can speak to them... so crazy