Experiences

My team

Sometimes words aren't enough to describe something, until you actually experience it and you get the full understanding of it. When you actually see, hear, and smell things your senses are awakened to a whole new level.
I have been so blessed in my time in Paraguay. I have seen so many things and have definitely expanded my horizons. A few new horizens I have experienced include:
Food:
- I can now drink milk straight from a cow. (This is kind of a miracle as I have always been sensitive to lactose)

Pig roast anyone?

- Pig skin and cow stomach are a delicacy.





Spiritual things:
- God has opened my eyes to Latin American cultures and the mysticism they embrace
- I got to experience a funeral and the sense of hopelessness encompasing the people that were mourning for their dead. It made me realize just how much hope we have in Jesus and His eternal salvation.


Sugar cane

Medical:
- Put my EMT training into practice as I witnessed a very bad motorcycle crash infront of my house. I'll spare details for the squeemish, but the experience included nearly severed legs and lacerations. 

In the mobile clinic

- Have gotten to practice stitches on a real person.





Political:
- Witnessed in a govermental coup (me and my team are safe by the way)
- People's lives revolve around who is in governmental power.

Missionaries:
- Me and my team have met many missionaries in Paraguay and have heard their stories of how God has provided and all of their unique journeys that have brought them to the missions field.
- The faith and hospitality that the missionaries possess for the people of Paraguay.


Visiting in the community

My teammates:
- I love them all and we have lots of fun together and are experiencing the things of God together.
- It is really cool to see how God is working in each of our lives differently.

Home:
- My host family has really taken to me and I have been able to tell a Bible story once to my host sister.
- I got to cook an American meal of pancakes for them, and they loved it. It was funny trying to explain the concept of how to make maple syrup to them. ( I don't think they got it)

Music and Singing with Tara's host family

These are just a few of my experiences and not even in that much detail. I can definetly feel that God is putting His protective hand on me and my team and is blessing us by the prayers of the people back home. Thank you for all your support and I can't wait to share all of God's blessings with you when I return.

Mba`eichapa?! (How are you!?)

A rock we wrote our names on in the Detriot airport (don't tell security)

I'm pleased to say me and my team arrived safely in Paraguay on June 2! Yes we were tired, but full of excitment and anticipation for the days to come. Dr. Jeff and Amy picked us up at the airport with all 6 of their kids. We loaded all our luggage and 14 people into their vehicle, and off we went!


Yes, I had to ride in the trunk

We spent the first 3 days of our journey in the Paraguayan mountains studying the language and culture with another missionary family to prepare us for our host families. During this time we got to go hiking and exploring the land. We bonded as a team and built each other up for the days to come.
On June 5 we drove a few hours to San Fancisco (Paraguay). We got dropped off at our host family's homes and the adventures continued. :) My family owns the biggest store in town and I am very blesssed to have my own room and running water in our home. I have come to learn to appreciate a hot shower. I have gotten along very well with my family, and the girls in my home are really warming up to me and want to show me everything.
It's been hard to communicate as the language is dificult to learn and they mainly speak Guarani, not Spanish, but that is when your actions speak louder than your words. Speaking of actions, I have had a lot of action doing medical stuff with Dr. Jeff and my team mates. I got to do my first ultrasound on a pregnent lady, it was so awesome! We have seen many other things too.


Making cabure at the youth rally

Other things we were able to participate in and do, were a youth rally, church, deliver audio Bibles in the people's native language, and Bible study with the natives. It's been really cool to see how the gospel is presented in a different culture and what the Lord is doing here in Paraguay.
There is so much to say, but I think I could narrow it down to a few parting words: God is working here in Paraguay. Please be praying for me and my team to let our light shine and for those we come into contact with can see Jesus in us. I am so excited to be here and I can definitely feel your prayers. Thank you for all your love and support. Jajatopata! (Until next time!)