Just Breathe

This past weekend Team Paraguay headed to Encarnaciòn for our mid-way retreat. We were blessed to stay in a church`s guest house of sorts for our relaxing weekend away. The church, located about 20 minutes out of the city, looked like a sceen from a painting, surrounded by green rolling hills of soy fields and a sky blanketed with some of the friendliest clouds I have ever seen. This home was our own little hide away. A hidden space for us to take a deep breath before entering into the second half of our journey.

Though before hand we planned for the main highlight of our trip to be visiting the Jesuit Ruins (which was an amazing experience!!), the highlight for me was our time spent at the guest house. The relaxed conversations that came out of our time together are unforgetable. Basking in the beauty of God`s creation gave me a sence of calm. The simple yet priceless things in life such as star gazing on a perfectly clear night. Laying under an acient cluster of trees discussing life questions. Watching an incoming storm. Standing in awe of the grand rainbown afterwords.

This time away was just what I needed. Recently I can across a verse...

But what happens when we live God´s way? He brings gifts into our lives...we develope a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people.

-Galations 5:22-23 (Message)

God knows us better than anyone around. He understands our needs. He hears our prayers. When I was worrying about coming to Paraguay, He was preparing for me an opportunity of a life time. Chances to feel like a total fool away from home and times of the purest joy. Both the ups and downs are blessings because they add to our experiences and understanding. I am so thankful for this trip and whatever blessings God has in store.

Food!

Looking back on past blog entries, I noticed that I have neglected sharing anything about the amazing food of Paraguay. With this inspiration I created...

Rose´s Top 10 Favorite Foods of Paraguay
(not in any specific order because that would be impossible)

1. Asado (steak)- usually asado is prepared over an open flame, rich with fat and salty seasonings

2. Fresh Fruit- some fruits that have been in season during my stay include mangos, watermelon, apples, pears, plums, pineapples, melon, oranges etc.

3. Neokies- a delicious mix of potato and flour which creates a mouth watering pasta like glob

4. Gizo- very traditional Paraguayan dish usually consisting of pasta, meat and a tomato sauce with onions and peppers

5. Chipa- traditional Paraguayan treat made with madioca flour and cheese. Sold on the streets, in the park, on the bus... everywhere!

6. Waffelen (waffle)- a German Mennonite Paraguayan food homemade by my host mom

7. Pie- sweet fruity treat hidden between two flakey layers of crust (a thinner version of traditional American pie)

8. Dulce- a thick jam spread made from most any fruit or milk

9. Tortilla- dough batter, sometimes containing green onions or meat, fried and delicious

10. Empenadas- a flakey dough sandwhich containing anything from beef to ham and cheese