Passion for Paraguay

We have been watching how the Venezuelans are struggling. Over the past two years, many venezuelan families have immigrated into Paraguay. Although the main countries that have seen an influx of venezuelan migrants are Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and the United States, Paraguay has also been a destination.  Just to get some context. Paraguay is 2000 + miles away by plane. It would take 15 days driving to go from Paraguay to Venezuela.  The people that arrived in Paraguay and now attend our church say, that it was impossible to continue living in that country. There is no hope and no future. They have done well in Paraguay. Most people that have come are very good hard working families.  I have been watching the elections in Venezuela on July 28th, and my hope for a better Venezuela have dissipated. It's such a debilitating situation. I live far away, but I feel the pain and despair of the venezuelan people in the distance.  So much pride, so much hate and so much desire ...

This afternoon Nicole and I went on a walk around our city plaza. On the way Nicole noticed a lady selling wrist bracelets, made of goat leader, crocodile teeth and some other interesting products. We stopped and entered into a conversation with a woman who was waiting for her husband and baby to arrive. They have left Venezuela a few years ago, and have been traveling thru South America. Why did you leave Venezuela, we asked? The lady said, things are not going well in our home country she said. And they found Paraguay to be a quiet and peaceful place. She did not want to go into detail. As we got home, Nicole asked why are things not going well in Venezuela? This question overruled all other subjects this evening at the dinner table. Mark gave his opinion, then Nancy, while Anahi listened in, trying to catch a little of what must have sounded like a foreign topic to her six year old mind. When we were done, Nancy and I looked at each other and realized how our kids got enga...