A Chance Encounter

Andrea and I went to a "garage sale" at the U.S. Embassy, last week, where several embassy employees were trying to sell their belongings before returning to the States. While we were purusing through the tables we happened to meet the U.S. Ambassador to Paraguay, Ms. Liliana Ayalde.
She was very nice and quite informative as to what the office of the Ambassador entails. She is from Maryland and also has a home in Ft. Lauderdale. She regularly speaks with the President of Paraguay, Fernando Lugo, and recently set up a meeting between him and Hillary Clinton. Later that afternoon, I saw a photo of her in the local newspaper and I have seen her on TV several times since then. Kind of neat to have met one of our dignitaries here in Paraguay.

Holiday Sightseeing

Today is a Paraguayan national holiday. It is "El Dia del Heroes." On this day, 140 years ago, Mariscal Francisco Lopez was killed in battle which marked the end of the extremely bloody War of the Triple Alliance. Lopez was the dictator of Paraguay and is now considered a national hero. He is buried in the Pantheon del Heroes in downtown Asunción alongside several other Paraguayan leaders.

Since we had the day off, we decided to go sightseeing outside Asunción to what is called the "Chacko" (also known as the "interior" by the locals). We went to San Bernadino and Los Altos. These were sights that were founded by German immigrants who wanted to start the "master race." It was 50 years before Hitler began his same attempt, in 1880 by a Dr. Forster. He became an influence for the Nazi ideas and the town eventually became a hiding place for the Nazi fugitives. Dr. Mengle, the "Angel of Death," is rumored to have fled to Los Altos when Germany was defeated.
The beautiful little town is on the edge of Lake Ypacarai. We stopped and had lunch, then took a walk down by the lake. Josh snapped this picture of us on a pathway near the water. It was a fun day!

The Brokedown Blues (Paraguayan Style)

I seem to have the worst experiences with my vehicles. Andrea and I purchased a Honda CRV from one of the previous missionaries and are quite pleased with it. But, it decided it wanted to make a trip to the mechanics, so it overheated and blew some hose. (In all fairness, it was 110 degrees that day). Then, Josh's battery died in his vehicle. So, we threw in the towel. We pulled out our "equipos" and sipped on terere until the tow truck showed up. We were having so much fun that Josiah decided he wanted to join us!

Sacramento Brethren Present Us With Paraguayan Tradition

Sipping Yerba Mate is a Paraguayan tradition. Almost everywhere you go, you will see many people carrying around their "equipo" and refreshing themselves with the summer-time version called "Terere." They have been doing it for centuries.
The brethren at the Avenida Sacramento Iglesia de Cristo presented Andrea and me with our very own "equipo" and a bunch of yerba mate. An "equipo" has a "bombilla" (a perforated straw for sipping), a guampa (a cup), and a thermos (for cold or hot water).
After you prepare your guampa with the mate of your choice, you simply pour a little water into the cup, sip it through your bombilla, then repeat.



We are so thankful to be here and to be embraced by our Paraguayan brethren. Chau!

Progress Update: Received Driver's Licenses

Traffic is crazy and the drivers drive crazy in Asunción:



Andrea and I received our driver's licenses! We are excited because it is quite an accomplishment due to the processes involved.

The way it works in Paraguay is this:
1) Upon arrival at the "DOT" (which is actually legal place for the municipality), you must select a "hestor." He is a person that will assist you through the entire process.
2) Once the hestor takes your name and info, he goes to the registrar(?) and then returns with a price to complete the process. (Our price was double what it normally costs, but, he said he could get everything done in one day - we decided that would be great)
3) He then proceeds with the paperwork which includes:
a. an eye test (from a worker who really doesn't care what you say as long as you answer)
b. pricking your finger to find out your blood type
c. a photo taken
4) then, you just wait until everything is complete and he brings you your license.
5) If all is good, you give him a tip (even though he is already making money off you) and you go away happy.
6) Upon returning to these offices for other documents, it is wise to always use the same hestor.

How's that for bureaucracy?

Team Update

It has been a busy week!

First of all, I apologize that our website www.paraguaymission.org has been down recently. We are praying to get that fixed real soon.

Otherwise, we have accomplished a lot this week. We registered the car and began the paperwork for transferring ownership. We signed up for language school and for health insurance. We are looking into car insurance, too. Andrea had an allergic reaction, so we made our first doctor visit this week. We had a team meeting on Tuesday and have been out to eat with most of the team members since Monday. We worshiped Wednesday night and today with the congregation. The members presented Andrea and me with Paraguayan mate and teas as a welcoming gift. The team gave us an "equipo" which is used to drink the mate with.

This week we will start our language school and look for a place to rent. We are so happy to be here!

Here is a video of a young man being baptized who had been studying with Enoch. His name is Raul Riveros and he decided to obey the Gospel this past Tuesday.

Hola de Paraguay!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are doing great! We hit the ground running and are getting a little bit settled in. We have started the paperwork process to get our car registered and to get driver's licenses. They do things quite differently here. For example, a notary public basically handles all the legal stuff like tags, title, and plates. Even the inspection process was quite an experience. We are also working on getting our cell phones turned on. The next things on our list are getting insurance (car and health), then residency papers, and looking for a place to live.

Here is a little "Hola de Paraguay" video clip of the team reunited and ready to go to work:

This Is It

This is it! We have been working toward this day for three and half years. It has finally arrived. By this time tomorrow night, Lord willing, we will be reporting from the mission field of Paraguay. I hope to post some video or pictures real soon.

Thank you to everyone who has lifted us up in prayer for safe travels. Thank you for all the encouragement and support.

It is all in the Lord's hands now. May He be glorified.

Today is Andrea's birthday! Lots of emotions are tumbling around inside as we are dealing with the anticipation of leaving Friday, sadness from all the farewells and well-wishes, to the stress of finishing up a few final details for our departure. A very unique birthday, indeed!

We want to offer a big "THANK YOU" to our sponsoring congregation, Margaret Street church of Christ, for the kind words and the send off festivities they provided for us on our last Sunday with them Jan 17th. We also want to say the same to Palm Beach Lakes for this past Sunday. We love all of you very much, we will miss you very much, and we are so thankful to have you as our supporters.

I have been invited to write on a brotherhood blogsite to describe the emotions and events that a new missionary feels going into the field. I call the daily post "Culture Shock Chronicles" and it can be found at The Fellowship Room. Hope you will join us there. Enjoy!

Winter Wonderland in N.C.

History of the church in Paraguay

This is a video that the team in Asunción produced which tells a little about the history of the congregation that meets at Avenida Sacramento. Brother Ike Yegros, one of the members in Paraguay, tells the story.

A Little Help Packing Our Bags

Andrea and I received a little help, well actually, a WHOLE LOT of help "packing our bags" from our sponsoring congregation, Margaret Street church of Christ. Martha Todd put together this very unique display in the foyer of the building, to bring about awareness of a few items that we are in need of to take with us to Paraguay. They are items that we will not be able to purchase in Asunción. So, our brethren have graciously taken it upon themselves to gather up several of the products for us. Thank you, so very much!

An Introduction to the Life and Culture of Paraguay

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season ...

Andrea and I have stayed really busy since arriving at Margaret Street church of Christ in Milton, FL. We have been blessed with several opportunities to be able to serve. We both volunteer for the Food Pantry distribution every Thursday. We are also involved in young adult Bible studies, youth gatherings, and the "Golden Agers" Bible studies.
I have been teaching a class on Wednesday nights, titled "They Were Fishermen and Farmers" which is a comprehensive study of the Great Commission. I have also assisted in other Bible classes and special studies. We have been able to go on several visits and be involved with the Monday Night for the Master program. It is wonderful to be able to serve in His kingdom!
Above is a picture from our Family Retreat. I extended a short devotional in the evening and the next morning.

Polishing the Pulpit

One of my dear friends asked me, "What is Polishing the Pulpit? Is that some kind of hazing ritual for a newbie preacher like you?" I laughed, and even though I am a "newbie" preacher, Polishing the Pulpit was one of the finest events I have ever attended.
It is a seminar/lectureship that offers a wide variety of classes and workshop settings on various subjects pertaining to matters of the church. Each of the classes, or lectures, are taught by some of the prominent men within the brotherhood. Wayne Jackson, a well known preacher and writer, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for the many years of service he has given to the Lord's kingdom. Other speakers included Alan Highers, B.J. Clarke, Glen Colley, Dan Winkler, Kyle Butt, Eric Lyons, George Bailey, David Pharr, and many others including one of the most eloquent speakers, Tom Holland (pictured below).

It was wonderful weekend and a great opportunity to be able to spend time with so many like minded Christians (1,400 to be exact) and see so many good friends and brethren. I was blessed to be able to go with my friends, and fellow servants, Preston Silcox and Jason Lasure (pictured). If you ever get a chance to attend this fine event, I highly recommend that you do.