Nazarene Theological Seminary

During the last two weeks of our time in Paraguay, we had the privilege of participating in and helping with both the district children and youth camps.  The district youth camp focused on training and teaching these teens to be leaders in their churches and on the district.  Because of Christian Ventura’s connections, their Regional Director of NYI, Alexandre de Silva, and Coordinator of Maxima Misión and a professor at the seminary in Argentina, Jim Lynch, came to the youth camp.  These two phenomenal speakers and teachers led several great sessions!  While there were some wild and crazy happenings (some boys decided to shoot fireworks in the bunk room at 3 am, watermelon eating contests, and an Alka-seltzer eating contest), there were some amazing times of prayer and response to the Word of God.  The churches in Paraguay need leaders, people who are willing to answer the call of God on their lives and act on it.  At the end of this weekend, there were 10 youth who committed to taking classes at ETED, Theological Education by Extension – and these youth have followed through with beginning the program!  I know that the church in Paraguay would appreciate your continued prayers for these new and upcoming leaders.

                After about 6 months in Paraguay, it was time for us to come back to the United States so that I could finish my last semester at NTS.  During this time in Paraguay, we had the opportunity to learn a new language, make new friends, develop relationships with local churches in another part of the world, walk many miles, adapt to a new culture, and eat some great food.  When it came time for us to leave, we had just begun to feel like we knew what we were doing – we were able to talk with people, buy whatever we needed, and find our way around the city.  By the time it came to feel like home, it was time to uproot and come back to the United States.  Yet, what a blessing to have made these relationships, to have lived among another culture and people!  Despite the pouring rain, we had some good friends come to say goodbye at the airport; we drank “terere” one last time, shared stories, hugged, and took a lot of pictures. 

                So, now we are back in the States and I am trying to readjust to living in the States.  I didn’t think that it would be a difficult adjustment, but I now see things in a bit different light.  For example – in Paraguay you hug everyone when you greet them; whether you know them or not the traditional greeting is a hug with a kiss on each cheek.  Our first Sunday back in the States everyone at church shook my hand while maintaining proper distance – so strange!  Then, we went to a traditional department store, which had row after row of stuff - even the largest department store in Paraguay was probably only half that size.  It is an adjustment, to say the least.  We have also been going through the “find a job, find a place to live” search, somewhat unsuccessfully.  There have been times of doubt and confusion about how this will all work out, but I am trying to trust and continually place my faith in God.  Sometimes, you just have to wait and rest in God…

“Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.  Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!”

Psalm 31:23-24