9 Years Later

We had the opportunity of having one of Craig's good friends from his mission come and stay with us for a few nights while he had some continuing education classes near Portland, OR. Craig hadn't seen Joe Mackay since the summer of 2000 in Chimbote, Peru. It was great for Craig to see him again and for us to meet him for the first time. They had a great time catching up and we all had fun playing games. Of course I had remembered a picture that had been taken of the two of them back on their mission standing back to back and couldn't resist the urge to try and recreate it
- 9 years later.

Taken July of 2000 in Chimbote, Peru

Taken October of 2009 in Washougal, Washington. - I know the lighting is horrible - it was late at night.

It made me think of Craig's mission and how it was such an important time of his life. I can remember countless stories he has told me and continues to tell our children. In fact, at night I read books to the kids but Craig tells stories. His "daddy stories" are always looked forward to. I'm so glad he had such a good experience and made so many wonderful friends. His excitement recounting his experiences has Jace excited and ready to go on a mission of his own one day.

Here are some more pictures and memories from his mission:

Elder Craig M. Brammer

Trujillo, Peru Mission

Served July 1999- July 2001

Standing in front of their living quarters in Laredo, Peru which happened to be just upstairs from the chapel. Elders Hansen, Mackay, Smart, and Brammer. Craig is in the tree for some reason. (January 2000)


Elder Brammer barbequeing some chicken in the streets of Casa Grande, Peru (February 2000)



Giving the thumbs up with Koryn in Chimbote, Peru. He was the son of Craig's Pensionista (cook) Imelda in that area. (July 2000)



Overlooking the "beautiful" city of Chimbote, Peru otherwise known as the stinkiest place on earth. They have fish factories there and when they're burning there's a healthy dose of fish fog but "Cuando hay humo hay plata".


New Years Eve 2000 in Trujillo, Peru. For New Years it's tradition to light a scarecrow stuffed with newspaper and firecrackers on fire, to ring in the New Year. This was a missionary scarecrow. Welcome 2001!


Visiting Cumbemayo in Cajamarca, Peru March 2001. Using a P -day to visit a pre-Incan aqueduct and ruins.



Checking out Llaconara waterfall in April 2001 with Elders Kelly, Smith, and Palmer. Dressed in mission approved attire?



Baptism of the Familia Porras in Cajamarca, Peru. (May 2001)



21st Birthday, May 10, 2001, Cajamarca, Peru.



Milking a cow in Banos del Inca on splits with Elder Smith. The 4'2" lady was much better at milking the cow, AND carrying the milk on her back then Elder Brammer was.



Last day in the field with the beloved Edith Romo, his pensionista in Cajamarca. Her family later moved to Provo, Utah so we have been able to visit the Romo Family several times, always enjoying her Peruvian cooking. We love them like family.

Visiting Macchu Picchu with his dad. Robert picked Craig up at the end of his mission and they were able to travel around the country a bit.

Craig has been back to Peru only once since being released. He returned in August of 2002 with his good friend and fellow Peru, Trujillo alum Justin Seegmiller. This was taken in the plaza de armas in Lima, Peru.

Craig and I met the day after he returned from this trip. We would love to go back together and have planned trips two different times, but with both times right as we were about to book the flights we found out we were pregnant and the Peru fund became the baby fund. We are hoping to return for the dedication of the Trujillo, Peru Temple in the near future.

I am so thankful for my husband and his love of the gospel!