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.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
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
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
Monday, January 18, 2010
Redefining Strength
I use to be strong
A stable, confident person
Sure of my beliefs.
Comfortable.
Then God came along.
He showed me a new reality.
My eyes were open to new ways.
Different customs.
I´m not sure what I believe anymore.
Now I don´t feel that strong.
Insecurities flood my thoughts.
Uncomfortable.
But there is comfort in the unknown
A relief that control is not with me.
No, I have intrusted my life in someone greater.
Someone who is so much wiser that I.
In Him I am strong
I recieve stability and confidence
And an assurance from Him.
In God I find rest.
¨That is why, for Christ´s sake, I delight in weakness... in difficulties. For when I am weak, I am strong.¨ -2 Corinthians 12:10
A stable, confident person
Sure of my beliefs.
Comfortable.
Then God came along.
He showed me a new reality.
My eyes were open to new ways.
Different customs.
I´m not sure what I believe anymore.
Now I don´t feel that strong.
Insecurities flood my thoughts.
Uncomfortable.
But there is comfort in the unknown
A relief that control is not with me.
No, I have intrusted my life in someone greater.
Someone who is so much wiser that I.
In Him I am strong
I recieve stability and confidence
And an assurance from Him.
In God I find rest.
¨That is why, for Christ´s sake, I delight in weakness... in difficulties. For when I am weak, I am strong.¨ -2 Corinthians 12:10
A Service to Remember
At the young adults retreat there was a certian worship service that I will not easily forget. A service filled with a new light on worship that I had not experinced before.
It started with praise and worship, like the others that week had. Clapping, jumping and loud chanting at times created a lively atmosphere. During one of the slower more moving songs, the speaker of the day took the mike and began speaking about possibly what the song inspired him to tell us- I am not sure really because his spanish was hard for me to understand. But before I knew it, youth were bawlling around me. Youth started heading up to the front starting an alter call of sorts. They were kneeling, weeping and crying out to God while at the same time sharing testimonies at the mike. As more time passed, even more youth headed to the front. By now there was loud wailing and crying from all around. People I knew from my youth group were up. They reconized how undeserving we are of His love and were litterally falling to their knees in repentance.
While everything was unfolding around me, I felt like a silent observer among the group. I had been introduced to this style of worship before in Asuncion , but nothing of this intensity. Watching everyone, I could feel the importance of this moment for some present. But I personally was unable to connect the same way. Maybe it was the language barrier or maybe the newness of the style of worship.
Even though I was unable to connect, this moment gave me appreciation for different styles of worship. There is something valuable to be taken out of any style of worship, weather it be a new way of connecting to God or a deeper understanding of the global church. By seeing worship in a different context, I was reminded of how complex and indiscribable God is.
It started with praise and worship, like the others that week had. Clapping, jumping and loud chanting at times created a lively atmosphere. During one of the slower more moving songs, the speaker of the day took the mike and began speaking about possibly what the song inspired him to tell us- I am not sure really because his spanish was hard for me to understand. But before I knew it, youth were bawlling around me. Youth started heading up to the front starting an alter call of sorts. They were kneeling, weeping and crying out to God while at the same time sharing testimonies at the mike. As more time passed, even more youth headed to the front. By now there was loud wailing and crying from all around. People I knew from my youth group were up. They reconized how undeserving we are of His love and were litterally falling to their knees in repentance.
While everything was unfolding around me, I felt like a silent observer among the group. I had been introduced to this style of worship before in Asuncion , but nothing of this intensity. Watching everyone, I could feel the importance of this moment for some present. But I personally was unable to connect the same way. Maybe it was the language barrier or maybe the newness of the style of worship.
Even though I was unable to connect, this moment gave me appreciation for different styles of worship. There is something valuable to be taken out of any style of worship, weather it be a new way of connecting to God or a deeper understanding of the global church. By seeing worship in a different context, I was reminded of how complex and indiscribable God is.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Art of Play
Life has been busy recently! Over the holidays there has been a LOT of traveling...
During my time in the Chaco, I had the opportunity to see what genunie play looks like. My host moms father was the source of this moment. Over my stay in their house, it was not unusual to see him running right along side his grandchildren. This served as a great reminder for me. I too want to keep the art of play in my life. God desires for us to have a child like faith. He wants us to come running to him with our arms wide open, ready for his warm embrace.
Today I challenge all of us to redefine what it play looks like in our life. There is nothing to loose... and I am finding it to be a lot of fun :)
- Going with the team to Argentina to renew our visas
- Visiting the Chaco with my host family for the holidays
- Going to Casaapa to visit Rosanna, a friend at church
- Attending the Youth Retreat for the Mennonite Conference in Paraguay
During my time in the Chaco, I had the opportunity to see what genunie play looks like. My host moms father was the source of this moment. Over my stay in their house, it was not unusual to see him running right along side his grandchildren. This served as a great reminder for me. I too want to keep the art of play in my life. God desires for us to have a child like faith. He wants us to come running to him with our arms wide open, ready for his warm embrace.
Today I challenge all of us to redefine what it play looks like in our life. There is nothing to loose... and I am finding it to be a lot of fun :)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Loving Relationships
My favorite aspect of this year is getting to know people of Paraguay. I love interacting and sometimes even holding conversation with neighbors- when I am having a good day with my spanish that is. :) Those briefest moments make my experience much richer.
It is by getting to know people here that one is able to see the true spirit of Paraguay. In the shy smile from my neighbor Sophie as I walk to work. Or the friendly adios from Toni and Laura on the way to church. In these brief moments I find much joy.
But some of my most memorable moments occur over terere. The chilled terere during a hot summer day creates a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Any sort of conversation can come up over terere. Maybe the re-telling of a hillarious moment staring a kid from the Guardaria. Or a sad tale of our neighbors who made a poor decision. Listening into these talks gives me a glimpse of how God is at work in Paraguay. How through loving relationships, God is changing lives.
It is by getting to know people here that one is able to see the true spirit of Paraguay. In the shy smile from my neighbor Sophie as I walk to work. Or the friendly adios from Toni and Laura on the way to church. In these brief moments I find much joy.
But some of my most memorable moments occur over terere. The chilled terere during a hot summer day creates a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Any sort of conversation can come up over terere. Maybe the re-telling of a hillarious moment staring a kid from the Guardaria. Or a sad tale of our neighbors who made a poor decision. Listening into these talks gives me a glimpse of how God is at work in Paraguay. How through loving relationships, God is changing lives.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Grace Like Rain
I love rainy days. But rainy days are a little different in Paraguay. When it rains, the roads turn muddy and unpassable. The road infront of my house looks something similar to a creek if it gets wet enough. So when it rains, Asuncion takes the day off. Schools close, parents stay home, and the day is free.
On Wednesday, we had a very rainy day. I woke up to the sound of rain hitting the roof. It was a relaxing rhythm that coaxed me further under the covers. Once my tired body was convinced it was morning, I headed downstairs for breakfast, which consisted of a warm cup of cocido- warm milk, but for me soy milk, brewed jerva, the tea leaves used to make terere. Together, me and my host family sat under the patio, watching the rain spill over the terrain. It was such a tranquil sceen.
Since the Guardaria was closed for the day, the dawas very relaxed. For the rest of the morning I sat with Alfred and Edulia, drinking steaming hot mate while surrounded by the chill breeze of the rain fall. This was such a spiritual experience for me. It felt as if God was clearing away all the dirt from my heart.
As the clouds cleared and the rain ceased, the sweet smell of wet grass filled the air. Edulia began cooking bread for the month and the kids spent their free time watching tv. This rainy day was such a blessing. An opportunity to recharge and be reminded of God`s provision.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demonds, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God.
-Romans 8: 38, 39
On Wednesday, we had a very rainy day. I woke up to the sound of rain hitting the roof. It was a relaxing rhythm that coaxed me further under the covers. Once my tired body was convinced it was morning, I headed downstairs for breakfast, which consisted of a warm cup of cocido- warm milk, but for me soy milk, brewed jerva, the tea leaves used to make terere. Together, me and my host family sat under the patio, watching the rain spill over the terrain. It was such a tranquil sceen.
Since the Guardaria was closed for the day, the dawas very relaxed. For the rest of the morning I sat with Alfred and Edulia, drinking steaming hot mate while surrounded by the chill breeze of the rain fall. This was such a spiritual experience for me. It felt as if God was clearing away all the dirt from my heart.
As the clouds cleared and the rain ceased, the sweet smell of wet grass filled the air. Edulia began cooking bread for the month and the kids spent their free time watching tv. This rainy day was such a blessing. An opportunity to recharge and be reminded of God`s provision.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demonds, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God.
-Romans 8: 38, 39
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