For at least 300 years before the arrival of the first Europeans, most of Peru was the heart of the Inca Empire that extended from present-day Ecuador to central Chile. The area from which the empire developed was centered in the valleys of Cuzco. The Inca Empire ended with the conquest of its heartland and capital Cuzco (1531-1533) by the Spaniards.
I love all things Latin American. Years ago Jon and I went to ChichenItza and maybe that is where it all began. We hired a guide to lead us on pack horses through a jungle with ancient ruins. It was almost a spiritual experience walking through areas with vine covered ruins, that were seemingly untouched for centuries. One could imagine their favorite Book of Mormon heroes come to life right there. Years later, Mitch served his mission in Cordoba, Argentina. As we followed his missionary experiences we gained more insight into the lives and culture of Latin people, and we felt a connection to the people he taught and served. In 2008, our family spent a week with a group of other families down in Central America as part of a humanitarian effort. I had a great desire to serve and help those people in Mexico but came home completely humbled, having been served and taught by them. Sometimes I feel such a kinship to Latin people, even those that I have never met. We are all children of our Father in Heaven, I know that.
Look at this beautiful family .... I wish I could invite them over for Family Home Evening .... maybe someday. joanna
Look at this beautiful family .... I wish I could invite them over for Family Home Evening .... maybe someday. joanna
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