Skip to main content

We're Here!

We're in the States, folks! We had a few crazy experiences in getting here. Especially hairy was the moment we were ready to check in at Buenos Aires and we realized that the customs official never stamped our passports into the country. That was a panic attack, for sure. Also another frustrating moment was when the official in Paraguay wanted to charge us a fee because I told him that a Paraguayan can also be a U.S. citizen and that we could call the US Embassy to prove it. That was a big mistake. They are NEVER wrong, of course. He told us to go out and show him all our documents and instead we just left!

So far, Timmy loves the States! He can't get over all the big construction vehicles and the tower cranes. He loves frosties and the swimming pool! He does have allergies though, which is something new. We're praying that they pass soon.

I believe we've made the transition back without much reverse culture shock (so far). Even after venturing into Target and Walmart we weren't too overwhelmed, but found some good clearance deals!

So far I can't handle air conditioning. I hate it. I think I'm the only car on I-4 that has the windows rolled down. I do like driving fast though. Something that's not done comfortably in good ol' South America.

Norb arrives tonight, so we're looking forward to being together again. He's had the camera, so we'll update pictures later in the week. We head up to South Carolina on Sunday, and we're so happy to spend time with our family in Orlando for a few days.

We're looking forward to a great summer and if it works out for us to connect with you, we'd love to see you!
Labels:

Comments

  1. ShiloMay 20, 2009 at 5:42 AM

    Glad you made it ok! Praying your time with family and ministry partners is refreshing and encouraging!
    Blessings, Shilo

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 20, 2009 at 6:30 PM

    Your teaching at the MV orientation was very good. I learned a whole lot.

    I can agree with you about the air conditioning. I try to avoid it when I can.

    -Noah Bendele

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rebecca Conduff AguirreMay 21, 2009 at 12:19 PM

    Yes, it's always interesting to see what things 'bother' or strike us and the kids when we go back...glad to hear the customs issues weren't a problem al fin...

    ReplyDelete
  4. ChristieMay 22, 2009 at 7:48 PM

    Glad you got there safely and without TOO MUCH trouble! Also neat to hear you'll be in my neck of the woods this weekend. I'm from the lowstate of SC, hubby's from the Greenville area. Hope you have a great time!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Christmas in Paraguay!

If you're wondering what Paraguayans do at Christmastime, they have some great traditions , including the " noche buena " meal on Christmas Eve at midnight.  They eat lots chipa guasu (a type of corn casserole, stay tuned for a recipe), asado or grilled meat (some eat it cold), salads, especially fruit salad, watermelon and drink mucho terere . Families travel from all over the country, many even return from working in other countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Spain, to celebrate with loved ones. This is us at last year's Kurrle celebration in Asuncion. Festivities are anything but a silent night with fireworks, loud music and drinking cidra (hard cider).  Most Paraguayans do not decorate Christmas trees (we decorate ours in shorts!) or emphasize Santa Claus.  Instead, they put beautiful nativities " pesebres " in their yards and in store fronts.  Kind of novel to focus on Christ at Christmas, isn't it! To beat the heat, many Paraguayans g...
4 comments
Read more

Paraguayan Weddings

On Valentine’s Day, we had the joy of attending the wedding of Sandra and Anastacio, young leaders in the church. Sandra is my assistant with Children of Promise and Anastacio, apart from his carpentry job, has a popular youth-focused radio program every night at 8:00 on our station. We’ve been to quite a few weddings, and these are some of the uniquenesses of southern Paraguayan wedding celebrations from our North American culture: 1. Nothing is fancy. Emphasis is placed on the act of marriage and not on the decorations or food. 2. It is not an expectation that parents help pay for expenses. Most families just make it each month with regular expenses and cannot afford to pay for eleborate feasts. Most couples have to spend months saving for their own wedding. 3. Borrow as much as possible. Many times wedding dresses are borrowed 5-10 times, because few women can afford their own. Flowers, decorations, shoes and ties (Norb loans out his ties often...since he never wears them!...
2 comments
Read more

How to make Rosella (Roselle) Juice and Tea

This is rosella (not to be confused with grosella, which is gooseberry).  Rosella is from the hibiscus family. It's harvest time here, and we use the rosella to make juice and tea.  It's properties are absolutely tremendous.  It helps sooth colds, coughs, helps digestion, promotes healthy kidney function, is a treatment for cancer, and reduces a fever and that's just a few of its benefits!  To make rosella juice, first de-pit the fruit and wash the skin thoroughly. Put the fruit into boiling water until the water is bright red (about 15 minutes).  The color is so vibrant, Roselle is sold to make dyes.  Strain the fruit (which can be used to make a delicious jam) and refrigerate the juice.  Add a few squirts of Stevia for a healthy drink. The finished product looks exactly like red Kool-aid, but is entirely full of nutrients.  We can't get enough of it. We dehydrated the petals for hot tea.  All you need is two dried flowers to infus...
3 comments
Read more