Farewell to Huaraz - Part I
Saying goodbye is hard. The wonderful members of the ward and stake did not make it any easier as they "wined and dined" us starting several weeks before our actual departure. Unfortunately, we did not get pictures of every event or of every person, but here are a few that were special.

Our bishopric sponsored the first farewell, about two weeks before we left. From left to right, here is our good friend Gerver Huamán, 1st counselor, Bishop Salazar, and Brother Trinidad, 2nd counselor. The event consisted of a dinner and then comments by each of the attendees. It was held at a member's home and about 40 people came.

On the left, Sister Valenzuela, one of the oldest in age and time in the stake. We were her home teachers. Sister Huamán and Sister Sélide, our previous Relief Society president.

Three of our sisters who we visited as home teachers. Sister Vega, Sister Antunez and Sister Sanchez.

This is Sister Vega's humble, adobe home and small business. She is a single mother of three, the youngest of which is studying to be a nurse. Sister Vega's husband left her some years ago and she gets by from the income from her little corner business selling snacks and with help from two daughters who work. The building, including her living area, has a tin roof and dirt floors.

Sister Sanchez's son Nilo, middle front, and her husband on the right with the white hat. Garcia family members behind.

Robert Bejarano, probably our closest friend, together with his wife Pilar and children, in Huaraz. He helped us find our apartment when we arrived in Huaraz and move in when the furniture finally became available.

Another favorite couple, the Villóns. He is the stepson of the bishop and someone we made friends with early on, even though they lived in a different ward.

Here they are with his mom, Sister Salazar, the bishop's wife.

The Huamáns had us over for dinner. From left, their daughter Linda who is studying in Lima, Sariah, Magdalena and Moroni. Brother Huamán arrived after we took the picture.

Three couples hosted this dinner at the home of the Pechos. From left, Pilar Bejarano, Julio Pecho (who took our place at the archives), Victor and Alma, Sister Pecho and Brother Pecho. It was typical Peruvian food and very tasty.

Here are the four couples.  This is definitely the nicest apartment we were in in Huaraz.  Bro. Pecho is a judge and makes a good salary. 

Another of our favorite couples, Orlando and Flor Aguilar with Alejandra. He teaches English and is also qualified as a tourist guide.

Jackie Villón, a single mother and her son Jampier.

Cielo Zavaleta, who was called to take my place as the Stake Family History Director when she came home from her mission. A vivacious, people-oriented, fun-loving and very talented young lady. Daughter of the stake president.

With three sisters at the church on our last Sunday.

The Primary children sang for us on the last Sunday.

Jackie with the Primary children.

We wanted to say goodbye to our favorite vegetable vendor in the large central market.

The cloth vendor who always greeted us with a smile as we passed by his booth in the central market, even if we didn't purchase anything.

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We flew out of Juaraz at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, August 3. We had to be at the airport at 6:00. The airport is a 30 minute taxi ride from town. Four couples and two youths came to see us off. Only one had a car so the others paid for taxis. We were impressed and humbled by their show of love and support.