Mi Familia

One of the highlights of living in Paraguay living in a host family. I can remember from the first time I met them thinking, ¨Now this is a neat family.¨

My host father, Alfred, is the lead pastor of our church, La Amistad. He has a great sence of humor (at least from the phrases I understand) and seems to always be laughing at something or other. Edulia, my host mom, is a mother figure for the surrounding neighborhood. Daily she visits people who are sick or going through a rough time. Edulia is also very involved in our church by planning childrens activities, decorating for fiestas or by welcoming others with her warm smile.

Now- the explaination of my family would not be complete if I left out my new brothers and sister! Jeremias (11), Noemi (9), and Josias (7) are three full of life kids that I have enjoyed getting to know the past two weeks. The first time I met Jeremias he came running to give me a big hug (what a great way to be welcomed into the family!). He seems to be the inquisitive and observant one. When I was first unpacking, Jeremias took interest in each of my posessions, intently asking ¿Que es eso? or ´what is that?´.

Noemi is a charming girl. She enjoys singing and dancing weather or not their is music on. Noemi has also had a lot of patience with me, as she helps me learn the spanish language. Josias is a hyper kid who loves to fool around. He loves playing soccer and makes many funny faces in a day.

Even from the few days I have lived with the Klassens, it has been a gift to see how Christ like they act towards people in their community. From simply exchanging a friendly ´buen dia´to having friends and family over for savory meals. Their home is filled with love. I think that is partly because they so freely give love to others. In Dorothy Day´s autobiography ¨The Long Loneliness¨, she states that

¨Most of our life is unimportant, filled with trivial things from
morning till night. But when it is transformed by love it is
of interest even to the angels.¨

The Klassens have fully embraced this idea and have discovered the gift of love with no boundaries.