My name is Dew

The Bus El Collectivo El Camion

2008-07-14T18:03:00.002-04:00

So this month Brittnea Dye, the single missionary, is on furlow. I have been living with her since the day I arrived. Since she has a car there has been very little need to take a bus.
But now that she is not currently here, I cant/wouldnt drive here, SO the bus (and sometimes the missionaries) are my modes of transportation. Bus fair is currently 2,300 Guaranies, which is about 60 cents. Taking taxis everywhere can burn a hole in your pocket SO I now take the bus to practically everywhere I need to go. Shannon and Alisha , 2 students from ACU, are currently living with my during their summer internship. It has been a HUGE blessing for me in how flexible they are. They do not mind at all taking the bus anywhere. So we have and here are a couple of comments/observations I want to share:
• Sometimes if the bus is extremely full people will grab on to the vertical handles on the bus at the back door and just hold on to the handles with their feet on the last step and just hang off the bus.
• You need to JUMP on and JUMP off because the busses never really come to a complete stop.
•You can pretty much flag down a bus from anywhere. Bus stops exist but hardly acknowledged.
•Because you can flag a bus anywhere, you can push a button or pull a string to let the conductor know you would like to get off and the conductor will just stop at its next available moment.

Today a group from Freed Hardeman University left for the states. They spend 6 weeks with us filling our lives with joy and teaching English. They will be sorely missed by all.

This week a group from Christopher Fry's supporting congregation arrives to spend a week here in Asuncion. Pray for their safe arrival and effectiveness as they minister.

I have been translating a lot lately.

New Friends

2008-07-02T17:53:00.001-04:00

A group from Leanna Church of Christ in Murfreesburough, TN spent this a week with the Sacramento Congregation here in Asunción. They did a small VBS, Vacation Bible School, in 3 different orphanages.
An orphanage in a town called Limpio, which is about a good 45 minuets from the church building. This orphanage currently has about 2o children. Another orphanage near the church building, which takes about a 5 minuet walk. This orphanage currently has about 50 children. And lastly, the largest orphanage visited in a town named Capiatá. This orphanage currently takes care of 200 children and is a little over a hour away from the church building. The orphanage started with 5 children looking for a place to live. They knocked on a door and asked to be taken care of. The lady of the house opened her doors and her heart to the children and did just that. There is currently a chilean, Santiago, and an American, John, who are missionaries who live/work at the orphanage. I find it extremely admirable when young people decide to live and work at an orphanage with 200 children that is out in the countryside. That is one of my dreams to be able to live amongst a "foreign" people out in the "middle of nowhere" and live very "mininally." I think it would give me the opportunity to get back to nature and facilitate my closeness to our Lord in heaven. To me, nature is the closest purest for of God. No person fills the rivers, no person makes the trees grow, no person feeds the wild animals except God.

7 students from the Tennessee and Texas arrived to teach english and help the church in anyway needed. I have been placed in charge of intern affairs. A whole new responsibility that i am looking forward to.Things have been very busy lately. Sorry for lack of communication. Thank you for your understanding and I appreciate you prayers

Welcome to another session of "Ethan & Ashley Perfecting Dance Dance Revolution"

2008-05-26T02:12:00.005-04:00

I am very blessed with being a part of a hilarious mission team!

Theres never a dull moment!

Why didn't we do a lot more of this a lot sooner????

:)!

Missionaries Doing What They Do Best

2008-05-26T01:33:00.006-04:00

A candid moment, we often dont think 'Dance Dance Revolution' when we think "Missionaires", dont be fooled these are the most treasured moments! At least for those of us who enjoy a good laugh!
We are all here to celebrate their little Ellas birthday party. Thanks for the cake!

Heres a clip of Ethan and Ashley mastering the art of DDR

Here are Perry and Ashley entertaining all of us and teaching us a lesson or two on perfecting DDR dance moves!

Thanks you guys for allowing us to laugh WITH you!

;)

Enjoy!

Oh and heres little Ella, shes crazy excited about the cake and presents!

Chau Chau ;)

My friends ROCK!

2008-05-25T17:09:00.005-04:00

A couple of weeks or so ago I recieved a wonderful package from my friends in College Station.

In my package I recieved:
-Reeses Peanut Butter mini cups (which are my favorite and all gone by now)
-A book titled: "What it feels like to......"
*this a book full of interesting stories like 'What it feels like to be struck by lightning' or ' What it feels like to give birth', ' What it feels like to win the Lottery', 'What it feels like to stutter' ect.
- An awesome blues harmonica (which I love to fiddle around with)
-Sparkly Red nail polish (which I happen to be wearing right now)
- Nail Polish Remover (which Im sure I will sure in a few days)
- Taco seasoning!!!!! (like 50 packets of it! Yessssssssssssssss)
- Macaroni and Cheese (in its box, not cooked)
- A refridgerator magnet of tortillas (oh if only they were real)
- 2 letters from my best friends Carol and Teresa. (which made me laugh and cry and cry from laughing and laugh from crying)
- Carols support letter. In which I would like to announce I am promising to donate $1000 Gs.
- Last but not least my favorite, a story photo entitled "Rocio Day." Carol and Teresa went around College Station and took pictures of things that reminded them of me. Theres a picture of a globe, a journal, books and messages from other special friends.

I couldnt ask for better friends!
Thanks for your continual support!

Los extraño y quiero mucho!

A Year of Goodbyes

2008-05-21T17:53:00.009-04:00

This year Asuncion will say its fair share of "Chau" and "Hasta luego"

In March the Asuncion bid farewell to Josh & Vanessa. Vanessa served on this team for 5 years. She married Josh after her third year on the team. They served together until March 8th of this year.
May 18, Micah said "Chaucito" to Asuncion after 4 and half months as an intern. She will be missed.

May 20, Carla and Mercedes head back home after their memorable 2 week visit.

May 28, Mauri Yegros will head to Tennesse to study at Freed Hardeman.

June 15, Helena Yegros will also be heading to Tennesse to study at Freed Hardeman as well.
As yall know the Yegros have been a big part of my internship here in Asuncion. It will sad to see them go.
June 30, Ashley, Ella and Ava Hardin will be returning to Tennessee after their 5 years on the team.
July 11, Ethan Hardin will joing his family in Tennessee. (that date is approximate)

As for me, I was scheduled to leave August 11th but after much prayer and diliberation I have decided to extend my time here in Asuncion. Most likely it will be sometime in December.
Its not official until I change the date on the ticket, which I havent yet, which I should probably do soon.

Heres Micah checking her bags

Chau Micah! Hasta Pronto!

Goodbye Lunch for Carla and Mercedes

Carla, Alba, Eu

Mercedes being her normal wacky hilarious self ;)

Soon it will be the season of "Hola." Its summer time in the states and so throughout the months of June July and August, summer interns and church groups will visit the church here at Sacramento. Our sorrows of departure will be quick to turn to joy!

Prayer Request: I have been under the weather for a few days. It stinks! Please pray for my quick recovery and a stronger immune system. Thanks!!

Hasta la Proxima!

Emulation and Implementation

2008-05-20T09:56:00.004-04:00

Carla was recomended to us by Mercedes. Mercedes is a Paraguayan. She currently lives in Colorado with her husband, Will Smith. She and Carla met in Ft. Worth, Tx where they both worked in the Latin and womens ministry.

Those are the 2 words that I have tied to the experience of Carlas and Merecedes visit.
Carla spoke to 70 women at the Seminar, 30 of which were visiters. Not to long after the seminar had ended a women came to Carla wishing to be study and be baptized.

Carla has touched me personally, as she has to countless other women, and has encouraged me directly in the words she has shared with me and indirectly through the work shes done in these past two weeks. There are not very many times where one can be touched so deeply by the force and sencerity by which God sends His messengers.
I derive much wisdom and strength by watching strong Christian Latin women in the church and on the mission field. I only hope to be able to emulate the many things I've witnessed as I try to be a Strong Christian Latin Women myself.

Carla is very sweet and extremely encouraging with her words. She is able to make you feel so awesome about yourself by telling and showing you how much God truely loves you.
Throughout life and especially on the mission field, for me anyways, we find outselves praying out of fear instead of gratitude, hoping we are fullfiling Gods will. We all know fear is the opposite of love. Without love we do not have God.
My mother often recites this particular verse to me, when Im not sure or doubt is looking like its creeping its way up.
II Timothy 1:7
"For God did not give us a spirit of fear; but of power, and love, and of sound mind"

There is so much more to write but so little time. I am currenly sitting in Carlas and Mercedes hotel room. They love to pamper people. They let Brittnea and I spend a night with them at the Sheraton Hotel, which is like theeeeee hotel. I love hotels. They are all eating breakfast at the moment. I decided to wait here until they return, since im a little under the weather and just thought to rest a little bit longer. Im glad tho, it has given me time to update my blog to share and spread all the wonderfullness I have experienced lately!

Pictures to come soon!

YAAAAY!!!

2008-05-08T11:50:00.006-04:00

Im so excited about the Women's Conference this weekend!
Carla Borja Lowe is our guest speaker for the conference. The theme is going to be "Las Buenas Nuevas" or the Good News. The conference will take place this Saturday and Sunday. I ,like usual, am in charge of the food for Sundays lunch menu.

The reason I'm out of my head excited is because Carla is MEXICAN!!!!!! She was born in Campeche, Mexico. She lived and studied in Mexico City. She was a missionary in Mexico for a number of years and spent 4 1/2 years in Italy. Shes a lot of fun!
There is finally someone around that speaks my language, that is Mexican spanish. Although spanish is spanish is spanish, certain vocabulary, certain idioms, certain tonations of certain words make all the difference in the message and emotion you want to convey.
I have a certain emotional tie with words. For example "Mande", this world is strickly Mexican. This word is used in different ways in different situations but no matter what the circumstance it always means respect. The word itself comes from the verb "mandar" which is send or command. So when some one calls your name your (or my) initial response is to say "mande?" which translates to "command me" or "at your services." So since they dont say that here in Paraguay, its not natural and at times it confuses people. So I have stopped saying that and in turn makes me feel like Ive become just a little less respectful and a presented with hint of identity loss. Which comes with the territory of living abroad. Every now and then it slips out.
SO, yesterday when Carla got here I called her name and she didnt hear me she said "Mande?" I jumped for joy! I told her that I am so happy that I can say "mande"!! Words and expressions like "guapo" "Que Padre!" "platicar" "hablando al widdy widdy." Mexicans pretty much speak in idioms and expressions. It hilarious and I love it! And she said shes going to cook Méxican food! Using things from the states! Which is a lot closer to what I can get using paraguayan ingredients when I cook Mexican food!
I usually do translating from english to spanish and at times vice versa. Im glad I will get to be Carlas translater for Mexican to Paraguayan spanish and vice versa. I will still have to keep my day job since she won't really need me to survive or anything but it certainly brings a comfort from home.
I also get the priveledge of picking and choosing at times the Ethnicity I want to be. Sometimes I'm Mexican sometimes I'm American and at times im both....or im always both.....and never one or the other.....dont know but its fun!!

Update to come: Womens Seminar!!

Adios!

Snapshots

2008-05-04T02:51:00.014-04:00

Here are a couple of things that have been happening recenlty.

Us girls usually get together to do something. This night we chose to go to the movies!! My FAVORITE passtime!! We watched "27 Dresses" I absolutely love the actor James Marsden! It was a real cute and funny chick click. A couple of the guys also got together and watched "Rambo." I have to say that sounds pretty typical, on both guys and girls side. Nevertheless, it was a blast!

Top row: Sarita, Romina, Helena, Alba, Moi, Vickie
Bottom Row: Gina, Brittnea, Ashley and Micah

May 1st is Labor Day in Paraguay. Everyone gets a day off. So we thought to take the youth group out to Ca'acupe, which is about an hour and half from Asuncion. BUT it rainned!!!! It rainned the entire day! So instead a few of us just spent time together. We played games, put a huge puzzle together and then I,like scheduled, cooked for everyone! I made Picadillo, which is just ground meat with potatoes, and mexican rice! So we all watched "Finding Nemo" had some good Mexican food and then had brownies for dessert. Yummo!

Heres Mauri, Ale and Kanchi putting together a pretty big RompeCabezas

VBS time! Micah put together a VBS for kids at an orphanage that is near the church building. The theme was "Jonah and the Big Fish." There were puppet skits, people skits, snack time, crafts, games and a memory verse! I was in charge of snack time. I find joy in preparing food for others! The kids were pretty well behaved.

Chris playing "Simon Dice' or Simon Says with the kids

Enjoying a word find and snacks!

Quince!! We were invited to a "15" birthday party. We got to help decorate some and it was great to spend time in a festive environment with some of our church family.

Moi and little Luana blowing up some balloons

Fun times! Thanks for reading! Its been fun writing!!
Chaucito ;)

Piano Time!!

2008-05-02T18:39:00.003-04:00

The Yegros are such a great family and they have been kind enough to let Micah live with them and let me come over when ever I want. Which I do......often.

Helena and Mauri the youngest of 5 Yegro children and are the piano savy kids of the bunch. When I saw their digital paino placed along the wall in the living room, I instantly had to turn it on. I did play the piano when I was little, along with the trumpet and the viola, in elementry and middle school. Mauri and Helena have been nice and patient enough to begin teaching me how to play the piano.Im learning to read notes and can play only a couple of Coldplay songs. I promised myself that during my internship I would learn to do something. Whether a language, how to sew, read minds, learn an instrument and or anything thats an acquired skill. And so here it is. I am learning to play the piano! It brings an immense joy into into my life!

Luckily I can plug headphones into the piano so everyone doesn't have to hear me painfully hit the wrong keys as I learn to play it correctly. But VOILA! When the headphones are unplugged, I sound like a concert Pianist!!!!

I might be exaggerating but I wanted to share how I spend my moments when I'm not at the church building or at an event :)

Hasta Luego!

Lets Celebrate!

2008-04-29T15:24:00.035-04:00

We had two Baptisms this month. Gustavo and Dustin have become out new brothers in Christ. The both were baptized in the same week. Gustavo and Enoch had been studying for some time. Dustin was new to our church but had congragated at others churches before hand. A few weeks later we had a "New Members" luncheon and we prayed over them and welcomed them into our church and the Body of Christ.

Gustavo is a friend of Enochs Fianceé

Dustin is an english student that studied with Perry.

This year, as interns, Micah and I had the privledge of being a part of the Team Banquet. It was a night full of laugter! It was a time to relfect on the past year. We shared stories and gave each other gag gifts. Micah and I got certificates. I got the "Plummed Out" award. I once had about 15 plums in the span of just a couple of days. And then I got terribly ill. The doctor said it was the water. Everyone else says its from the "30" plums I ate "in one day." So I currently only drink bottled water. My contribution to the night were funny things my english students said. We dressed up and had a very nice dinner.

Vickie , Me, Brittnea Laura (Enochs Fianceé) , Micah , Chris (Vickies Husband) Ashley, Alba (Perry's girlfriend), Perry

Not pictured Ethan* Ashleys husband. He was at home taking care of sick little Ella. Oh and Enoch must have been the one taking the pictures. ;)

Our English course has currently ended and so had a celebration to commemorate their work. These students attended every classes and did well in their english improvement. We called it a graduation. We handed out certificates, we called their names from the pulpit, they came up and we took pictures on stage. After all the certificates were handed out we ate some delicious fingers foods. It was great! Its the one time I get to stand at the pulpit and speak. ;)

Chris addressing and congratulating the students

Brittnea and Demetria Chris and his English student RosaEnjoying some "bocaditos" "Nice to meet you"

Claudia and I

Some of my students have decided to continue with their english classes in which case we will focus more on using the bible studies instead of bible stories.
Please pray that the Holy Spirit guide me in reaching my students.
Thanks for reading and all your support!

Nos vemos muy pronto!

Election Day = Don't Leave Your House

2008-04-17T11:26:00.003-04:00

April 20th, this weekend, is Election Day here in Paraguay. Every one is pretty concerned for the possible riots. We all have been instructed not be out after dark on Saturday, Sunday (especially) and Monday. The Government is pretty corrupt here and everyone knows it.
There is no question if there will be some type of uproar, the questions are, "How bad will it get?" and "Do I live far enough away?"
I cant say I'm politically inclined so I dont really know all the details of all the Party members. What I do know is: Blanca is the candidate for the Colorado party. The Colorado party controls all the Military and Governmental votes. Lino is a Ex-President who was in exile after being accused of helping assassinate his own former Vice President. Theres Lugo, which i don't know much about. Lastly, Fadul, who would ACTUALLY rule justly, but he doesnt have enough money and he simply isnt high enough in power to win over the majority. He's really the only one who has a well sought out plan to better Paraguay. The Colorado Party has been in power the last 60 years so its pretty much a given she is going to win. She has and insane amount of money, her party already controls the government and its just fact really.
Its funny, I think I know more about whats going on with the elections here in Paraguay than I do in my own country. But in the United States I would never have to worry if the Super Market down the street will get looted because someone didnt agree with who won.
We have cancelled our Saturday night activities and plan to go home and stay hom after Church service. Many of the members have made prayer requests on behalf of their country. This is where they live, this is their future, this is the country they will be burried in. Christians have a hard enough time living amongst the world, try living under communism or a dictatorship. At least here we have freedom in religion. Yes we might have to cancel some events or get home early but were ARE here doing missionary work.
So I dont know what it is that I am supposed to do in situations like these. I have never been confronted with the reality of communal political danger.
Dont be too concerned. Its bark is worse than its bite. Im sure by tuesday everyone will go back to their daily lives and not experience til later the changes and effect of the change, or no change, in goverment direction.

Are you Paraguayan? Are you American? Do you speak English? Do you speak Spanish?

2008-04-08T13:57:00.004-04:00

These are questions I am asked very frequently, in which I answer:
"No, yes/no, yes and yes. I am not Paraguayan. I am not strictly American nor am I strictly Mexican. I am Mexican-American. I was born and raised in the United States but my parents are from Mexico. I learned spanish at home growing up with parents who didnt speak english during my early childhood. Since I have lived my whole life in the United States, I speak 'perfect' english."
Most of the reactions are:
If they dont know I am from the States they simply speak to me in spanish and are pleasently surprised and a tad confused when they learn Im from the US.
When they learn im from the States only speak to me in english. When they learn I speak spanish, they are again surprised and begin speaking to me in spanish. Some stick to speaking to me in english.
If people hear me speak both languages without really knowing me they ask "Are you Paraguayan?", my explanation, then "AH yes I see." or in Spanish "Ha bien, ya veo." or "Do you have latin blood?" I answer "Yes, Mexican" then they say "Ah your Spanish is perfect! You speak very well.", in which I answer "Thanks, you too ;)"
There have been rare cases where people dont believe I can speak Spanish, even though they have heard me speak it, so they only speak to me in English and or "try" to speak to me in English.
There are Paraguayans that only speak to me in English. Even if I speak to them in Spanish. Those cases are usually people wanting to practice their English. A couple times when people meet me and learn im from the states, they will ask the missionary(that introduced me) in spanish questions about me. "What is her name?" "When did she get here?" Then I answer and they are very surprised. And vice versa. When people are told that I work for the church, those who can speak english, will ask about me in english while I'm standing right next to them. So I answer and we will all have a great laugh.
I get comments like "You dont look American." "Oh, I thought you were Paraguayan." "Im sorry Im confused. Where are you from?" "But you were born in the United States. THEREFORE you are American." "Oh cool! You're bicultural!"
Im often asked: "So how did you learn english/spanish?" "Can you cook Mexican food?" "Do you visit Mexico often?" "Do you have family in Mexico?" "Do your parents speak english?" "Youre Mexican but you've never lived there?" School/family. I spoke Spanish first and learned English in school. Yes I can cook Mexican food and I'm a GREAT cook." "Yes I visit Mexico once or twice each year." "Most of my family lives in Mexico." "My mother has no problems with english and my father does not speak english."
I really enjoy having that element of surprise! It makes meeting people exciting!

So theres an idea of "what its like" to be Latin American living in Latin America country yet learning and teaching different aspect of that classification.

Thank for reading!!

Interesting Facts

2008-04-01T11:06:00.004-04:00

According to me from my experience so far.

1) Ive fallen in love with American mustard. Yes, I like it at home and I perfer it over mayonaise but here i have bought 4 bottles of it from the "Imported Product Stand." Im hoping it will last the whole time im here. And if it doesnt i think i can just go buy some because there is ike 10 bottles left and I think im the only one in Asuncion that is purchasing them.

2) The "r's" here are pronounced the "r's" like the "American" "r" at the end of words.

3) People here in Paraguay dont really go to the movies. A movie ticket is as much as a meal. 20.000 about almost $5. Which is rather unfortunate since I am a huge movie fan.

4) I learned I dont really like Ice Cream. Dont get me wrong the Ice Cream is amazing here and everyone loves it. A lot of the times people go out for ice cream, so I just enjoy the sight of everyone enjoying their beloved ice cream.

5) Everyone EVERYONE drinks Tereré. Its mate but cold.

6) When it rains, every street floods. There arent very many drainage ditches.

7) You can go to the sallon for people to "comb" your hair. Yes. People can walk in with their hair wet from the shower and you their hair combed. Meaning blow dried and or straightened.

8) The Dollar is going down. I got here and it was 4,600 to a dollar and now its 4,300. The currency is called 'Guarani' and add an 'es' to make it plural.

9) McDonalds Delivers.

10) If you buy American candy in the imported aisle, it costs 3 times as much! For example: a pack of Reese's peanut butter cups (2). It costs about $1.50! But we buy it anyways because we love it!

Thanks for reading!
;)

Hamburgers with Rice?

2008-03-06T11:48:00.005-03:00

Hola!
Hamburgers in an interesting combination to be served as a meal during a retreat.

March 1st and 2nd Churches annual retreat. Everyone traveled to Aregua, a small town about 45 minuets away, to a beutiful camp site. I had the opportunity to be in charge of the food for the retreat. We bought all the food and took it up to the site and different members helped cook. The missionaries led class and service. Micah tought the children. The theme of the retreat was "La Batalla Es De Nuestro Señor", which translates to "The Battle Belongs to the Lord".

We have started an english program. I currently have 11 english students. Everyone who teaches english at the church has varying schedules. Most of my english students speak english very well, although none of them will agree with me. We use material from the book of John.

We had a vacation week. Its called "Semana Santa" which translates to "Holy Week". Its equivilent is Spring Break. Except we cant call it "Spring" here because we are currently in the fall season. We went to Pilar and spent 4 days there. We traveled to see a ruin and we had "asados", which translates to "Barbeque." Pilar is a very small town so there wasnt a lot of activities to do but the most fun and important thing we did was enjoy one anothers company. It was great seeing another part of the country. Pilar is about a 5 hour drive south.
Here is a link to some photos.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2484145&l=5789e&id=8369166

We still have our consistant weekly activities. Visiting orphanages, youth women and english meetings, womens tea are just to name a few.
Thanks for reading :)

A Month in Review

2008-02-20T16:56:00.003-03:00

Saludos!

Well friends it has been a while since my last post. I will asure u this is the only time I will have this long an absence.

Camp in Argentina was fantastic. Groups from Cordoba, Buenos Aires and Asuncion came together and spent a week in a cabin in the moutains. It was a nice break from the hot weather. We had classes, devotionals, trecks throught the mountains and many other spiritual and fun adventures. There were 7 baptisms and number of other spiritual enlightenments. It was a great opportunity to meet the youth of Argentina but equally important and exciting was getting to our youth better. Our bus broke down and so that added 6 hours to a return time. So about 27 hours in return from Cordoba to Asuncion. The weeks that followed included english studies, womens tea, orphanage visits, team retreat, memeber visits, middle school girls sleep over, Doctor visit, university visits, event plannings, class teachings, movie night, yellow fever vaccinations, retreat plannings, womens bible study, many other events and many other miscellaneous tasks.

In the coming weeks, we will start an english program for 7 weeks. I have the great pleasure of being responsible in help forming a university group. I will go out into the universities and personally hand out flyers and get to know the College Students of Paraguay. Our hopes are that their interest in free enlgish classes will bring more people to the church and so bring more Paraguayans into Christ. Here are a few links to Photo Albums of my internship experiences, opportunities and events.
Enjoy!

Summer Camp, Argentina Style!
http://tamu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2457628&l=2478c&id=8369166

Day trip to Cordoba
http://tamu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2457634&l=66a6d&id=8369166

Mission Conference in Canela, Brazil
http://tamu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2450032&l=6f9fe&id=8369166

To the left of the screen there is a link to my co-interns blog. Here name is Micah Bayles. She and I met in the summer of 2005 when we traveled to South America with the Aggies for Christ.

Thank you for reading! Feel free to leave comments, suggestions, encouragements, words of wisdom, constructive criticisms or a simple hello ;)

Chau Chau :)

PS Hindi is cool. I would love to learn this language especially to write it! हिन्दी इस सुपर कूल!इ वौल्ड लव टू लीर्ण आईटी!

A Little Taste, throw in some Argentina

2008-01-21T17:16:00.001-03:00

Hello All!

This week was my first official week as an intern. The Asuncion team really knows how to break in new interns. No, I joke, they are great!
A few of the things I've done and or participated in this week.
Team Devotional
Translate Songs
Visit a memeber in the hospital
Visit with a member at their home
Our house hosted Ladies Tea
Youth Group Devos
Begin preperation for pre-teens class
Attempted to make flyers for English classes
Womens Bible Class
Made cards for the memebers who are ill or in the hospital

Today I will be heading out to Cordoba, Argentina! We were scheduled to leave at 5 pm but in South America time that means about 6.30-7.
It's summer camp time! We will spend a week in the moutians getting to know God and each other better. There will be no internet or cell phone recpetion. Im sure our youth will survive a week with out it, although some suggestest they might not.
I am immensly excited to be able to travel again, all the more excited to be able to return to Argentina! Horray for more passport stamps!

I ask for you prayers in safe travel, campers experience Christ, patience and for the counsolers to be always remember there are learning eyes upon us.
Thanks for your prayers and keeping in touch!

Hasta Pronto!

Conference in Brazil

2008-01-12T20:03:00.001-03:00

Hola! Hola!

We returned "home" back to Paraguay on the 12th.

To recap:
The missionary conference was nothing short of amazing, eye opening and priority readjusting. We had the privledge of listening to the wise words of John Willis , an elder at Highlands Church of Christ in Abilene and a professor at ACU. He taught about how God create and God sustains, among many other topics. The ladies class was taught by Dottie Schulz, a former missionary in the Netherlands. She was an amazing speaker how taught about loss, women in Gods work and re-entry to the states after your time serving abroad. It was a Brasilian missionary conference but other South American mission teams were invited. The team from Asuncion just happened to be the only non-Brazilian team. It was great to meet new people who were missionaries in other parts of Brazil and memebers of the Continent of Great Cities,who place teams in South America. It was also a immense joy so see some old friends!

When we were not in time of praise and gaining knowledge we all fellowshiped with one another. We saw some sights, ate chocolate fondue, learned interesting Brazilian games, ate at a CHURRASCARIA and many more awesome things. A nice surprise was to see Carlos Castilho. I didnt know he was attending but it was really good spending time with him.
For those of you who dont know, my home church in San Antonio helps support Carlos' ministry.

Here are some pictures. Enjoy!

A Recap And a New Start

2008-01-08T22:13:00.001-03:00

OI! OI! OI!

A lot has happened since my last post. I returned home 6 days later from Thailand. The next summer (2007) i returned to South America and traveled to Chile Brasil Argentina Bolivia and Paraguay. This last semeseter I prepared for my semeseter long internship. Through much deliberation and prayer God has lead me and Micah (co-intern) to Asuncion, Paraguay. I arrived January 4th and God willing i will be here until August 11th. So about a little over 7 months.
The last few days have been a little crazy but awesome.
SATURDAY JAN 5th
Here is my schedule for the past 4 days
Micah and I fly out of Houston at 9 pm Friday night we had a lay over in Buenos Aires and then headed to Asuncion after about 5 hours.
A 3 hour plane ride we finally arrived in Asuncion at 5pm (2pm US central time).
2 hours later we had a youth activity. Burgers and fun.
11pm we returned home "unpacked" some and went to med at midnight.
SUNDAY JAN 6th
8.15 get ready for church
9.15-11.30 church
11.30 - 2 lunch
2-3 return home and pack for the trip to brazil the next day
3-4 take Asuncion team to airport and see them off
4-7-30 church in Capiata
8 - 10.30 picked up and spent a night at a friends house (to be taken to the airport the next morn) then sleep
MONDAY JAN 7th
4 am wake up and to the airport
5.15 fly out
9 am arrive in Sao Paulo - 3 pm lay over
3 fly out Porto Alegre
6pm bus ride to Canela
8.30 arrive to the hotel
9-12 dinner room situated saying hello to every one then sleep
TUESDAY
8 breakfast
allll day conference

And we find ourselves at this moment.
I am currently in Canela, Brasil for a Missionary Conference. The missionaries in Brasil plus us the Asuncion team is here for a week long conference with classes devotional and sight seeing.

Im pre-tty tired but am so HAPPY to be in Brasil again!!! I will return to Asuncion the 12th.
I will soak up every moment of familiar faces and brazilian food!

I will keep yall updated!

2006-08-01T12:48:00.000-04:00

Since the internet was not working my recap of the last days in Chiang Mai were erased.
Last Thursday we did some last minute shoping at the Night Bazzar and I took some traditional Thai pictures.
I love going to the night bazzar. Its like walking around at the base of the Tower of Babel. So many different languages being spoken is like music to my ears. I have observed that all the spanish speakers i have met here are from Spain. I have not met some one from any other spanish speak country, Thailand is full of Spaniards. One time I met a young woman whos name is also Rocio. every where I go now I keep an ear our for Spaniards.
Friday night we had a going away party for the american interns who were continuing on their travels and leaving Chiang Mai.
Jennifer was sat in the middle of a balloon filled floor are was encouraged by the church. Then
Jenica, Johanna, Tim and me were encouraged together. There were thai snacks and games.
Saturday all the interns from Payap and Ma Cha gathered for an american breakfast and a missionaries house. We then took grou pictures at a grafitti decorated wall.

2006-07-30T03:55:00.000-04:00

I leave Chiang Mai today for Bangkok. Please pray for Jennifer, Jenica, Tim, Johanna, Dalheen, P'Gade and me as we travel overnight by train.
The internet has not been working with me lately I will have a long entry next time with many pictures.
Kap Kun Maak Ka!

2006-07-23T03:02:00.000-04:00

Our day of Solitude was more than I expected. It was hard at first I slept most of the all morning. After lunch the weather was soo perfect, so beautiful I decided to spend time in prayer outside. I visted the 4 chapels and wrote in my journal. The entire day went with out speaking a word. That night ended at 7:30 so Jenica, a fellow intern, and I enjoyed a coffee and spent time reflecting on our day of solitude. The following morning we all met at Kingdom Books. A Christian oriented book store. We had a huge breakfast with 5 inch thick pancakes. We discussed our solitude day, the things we found hard or easy, things the supreised us and things of that sort. Friday morning we have "experimental equipping", this takes us out of our usualy bible study lessons. We have been to a lake and hospital and other places. This last friday morning didnt go as planned. We went to an orphage home, but were turned away. We then thought to go to a home for the Aged but that didnt work out either. While the drivers drove through town figuring out what to do i just looked out the window of the van admiring Thailand and its many colorful temples. Then I notice we pulled into "School for the Deaf" I let out a sound of glee that scared some people in the van. I was so excited to go inside. I was able to communicate some with the deaf students. I was told they could understand me. Everyone was given a sign name which was a lot of fun. We went to two different classrooms. The second classroom had students that were a little younger than the first. In this classroom. I was able to address the class directly. Our group sang songs while I signed them. I had an incredible time at the deaf school. Yesterday a couple of us went with some Thai friends to a waterfall. We climbed up and down part of the waterfall. At one point while trying to beat the camera timer I slipped on the waterfall but was caught by friends.
Today AFCB (Aggies for Christ in Bangkok) are in Chiang Mai. They will be only be here for a couple of days but have many activites planned. Im looking forward to the next couple of days with the Aggies. Its so great to see some of my AFCO friends again!
Pictures to come :)

2006-07-19T03:33:00.000-04:00

น้ำค้าง

My name in Thai

Pronounced "NamKaang"

2006-07-16T10:55:00.001-04:00

Hello friends
Yesterday I had church services at Payap. It was nice, there were about 20 us compared to 800 person church that I usually attend back home. I knew almost everyone so it was like having church with my friends. Tim, an ACU intern, gave the sermon. After we all ate lunch together, we then went to a blind school. It was a neat experience. They all sang for us, sort of like a talent show. We played a tradtional thai game. A ball is passed around while music is playing and when the music stops who ever is left holding the ball is made to put baby powder and over their face. Kind of like "Hot Potato"
On Friday, A group of us went to Myanmar, a.k.a Burma, for passport renewals. Its about 3 and half hours to the border. It was nice to spend time with the ACU interns and with Russ and Rebecca. Russ and Rebecca they are 2 year aprentices, who have been here a year and a half. We took pictures, got our passport stamped and bought low priced DVDs.
On Friday we went to a hospital as part of our equipping time. I really didnt mind, one would think after the experience I had a few weeks earlier, I would steer clear of hospitals, but i was ok. We were free to go anywhere we wanted to go. We were to make observations and take in whatever we could and to answer some questions about what we saw, felt, heard, smelt. When our time was up we gathered and made one more stop before we headed back. A friend of Eddie , a thai intern, is diagnosed with leukemia. So to lift her spirits we all went to chat with her. There are about 15 of us. When I first walked in the hall, I looked to my left and I saw a young girl laying on her side. Instantly I thought "That must suck, lying there like that." I later realized that had bothered me so much beacuse when I was in the heigh of my pain or when the pain would came back severly i would lay on my side. We then got to her room and all gathered around her. I sat and just looked at her. Smiled when she turned to me. She spoke mostly to Eddie. All of a sudden i found myself unable to continue to be in the same room. All the memories of being scared, alone and in severe pain came back to me. I had to leave the room before i broke into tears. I sat outside and pulled myself together. I had no idea of how my time in the hospital had traumatized me so much.
We go back and had an open forum for anyone who would like to share anything. After a few interns shared about how being at the hospital reminded them of the last time they were there for sugery and what not. I then shared how terrified i was, how alone i felt with the group gone, my closest friends nor family was there and what an INCREDIBLE amount of pain i was in. I then said that I praise God for that experience, how greatful and more faithful becuase of it. How i am able to rejoice in my suffering. If it had not been for that Kidney Stone I would not be here having the best time of my life in Chiang Mai. The Kidney stone made everything fall into place for me to be able to come back and be an intern here. This trip has been very difficult BUT very rewarding. I then shared my very favorite verse of the bible. Romas 5: 3-5

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

I wasnt able to finish that verse with out crying. I was so happy that God had given me the perfect opportunity to share what I hadnt yet but always wanted to.
That night we had an International Day Party. I,of course, represented Mexico. I made rice and because and I ran out of time I bought refried beans form a can. I made breakfast Tacos that everyone loved. It took me a while to find all the right incredients , we went to 2 different stores. I burned the first batch of rice. Which didnt help time wise. It was the first time I had made rice with out Moms help. :) It came out well. We played games then had a feast. There were many countries represented and everyone brought a little taste of their country. It was a very fun nonstop party. That day had been such a trying day. Nevertheless I really enjoyed it.
Today is our dat off but tonight we are going to have a day of solitude. From evening tonight to early evening tomorrow. I am looking forward to refocusing for my time left here.
Here are a couple of pictures.

Paeng and I. She represented India. Woot and I eating tasty fruit
Russ and Rebecca

Lets help Myanmar

Performance at the blind school

2006-07-11T00:33:00.000-04:00

The past days have been great. Saturday we had sports day. We played ultimate frisbee and kickball. Kickball was a little difficult for the Thais to understand. I felt right at home though, i love baseball, kickball softbal ect.. Sunday I had my first church services at Cheung Doi. It was different but very enjoyable. That night we all gathered, Ma Cha and Payap and went to the walking street and played games at Starbucks. That night I spent a night at Payap to watch the World Cup Final with them. A couple of friends at Payap are soccer/football enthusiasts so i thought watching the game with them would be a little more exciting. The next day was the interns day off. Since the game was over at 4 am, I slept in till about 1 or so. The next evening we all went for dinner and a movie. I really enjoy fellowshiping and hanging out with the interns. There are 3 American and 4 Thais interns at Chueng Doi. Payap has 2 american and 4 thai inters. Today we had equiping lead by one of the interns. A couple of us then went to lunch, shopped for journals and visited a fellow intern as this painting studio. It was really nice. Later we are going to exercise at a gym. I am in charge of putting together the english class on thursday this week so i will be working on that.
Thanks for reading :)