Passion for Paraguay

Its been a long wait. First arrival of covid vaccines made headlines in all newspapers this week.   ASUNCION, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Paraguay will on Thursday receive approximately 4,000 doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, its health minister said on Tuesday, allowing it to kick-start its immunization program next week As I drove thru the city of Encarnacion yesterday, most people were wearing masks, and the traditional hand shake, hugging and hospitality have disappeared. Due to covid, this culture of laid back people are becoming more time and task oriented - at least in urban areas. - If you read this thru the eyes of modern western consumer, this is no surprise perhaps . But seeing it happen aqui (here) brings me a sense of loss. The warm connections are disappearing .  There are almost 7 million Paraguayans and residents in this country. As I observe the situation, it will probably be a while until every Paraguayan gets a immunization...

Today, as Anahi and I drove towards my sister’s house in Bella Vista before noon, I realized again how many people grill stake for lunch. I saw smoke going up in various back yards. Families come together to grill and share. In most Paraguay's settings, life slows down on Sundays. Groceries stores are closed and people look forward to their Sunday get together. Coming together with friends and family on Sunday, is a tradition Julie and I have embraced since arriving in Paraguay. There are very few restaurants in the area. Eating out usually means a treat or is saved for special occasions. Some forty thousand people live in the area known as Colonias Unidas. There are probably no more than five decent restaurants in the area, and only three are open on weekends. Eating out is not much of an option. As I drove to Bella Vista, and spent a few hours with my sister’s family, I realized again, the gift of family.  I am blessed for having my immediate family living within minutes...

After having our power off Thursday, Friday, part of Saturday and part of this morning, we have had a VERY quiet Holy Week!! Here are some pics we took right before the service...thanks to our wonderful photographer Nila.  There were many people at church last night and we believe the Holy Spirit was stirring hearts. It rained again this morning and after the rain let up, we were able to hide some Easter eggs for the children this afternoon to enjoy an American tradition.   The eggs are typically Paraguayan and they are beautiful.  You use a real egg shell and splatter paint it.  Then hollow it out and put in a sugary peanut mixture.  After it's full, cut out a piece of tissue paper and adhere it to the egg using egg white as a glue.      The eggs and family time are fun, but we are grateful that we celebrate the true significance of Easter, RISEN KING today and on every day of the year!

This weekend we traveled to Asuncion to obtain Anahi's new birth certificate.  Our hope was to start the passport process with her birth certificate, but nothing went according to plan. We were told there was an error with the adoption resolution.  Because ONE word was written wrong, we have to go back to the judge in Encarnacion and have a new resolution issued.  We were so discouraged and frustrated about this mistake.  Now, we have to travel again to Asuncion this week and try to resolve this issue, before we travel in about six weeks.  Please pray that we can get this resolved and get Anahi's passport (it usually takes a month to process passports) and get her visa all in time for our May 14 flight. To top it off, it rained like cats and dogs.  When it's like this, we have to roll up our pants to our knees and take off our socks and shoes to cross the street.  This is what the streets in Asuncion is like when it rains: At least the kids...

Hopefully you're not like us, folk who have never seen an episode of the reality TV show The Amazing Race .  That is, until this week. In the 20th edition of the series, they finally made it to the heart of South America!  Teams had to compete in activities that would be culturally appropriate for Paraguay.  For example, they had to balance a glass bottle on their head while doing a dance routine, string a harp and stack a pyramid of watermelons like they do at the large outdoor food market in Asuncion.  We're so glad that this show gives people a small glimpse at the beautiful culture and people of Paraguay.  The competition is intense as well and the ending is surprising (no spoilers here, ya just gotta see for yourself). Now we can't stop watching!  Personally, we're rooting for the Kentucky boys.... What about you, who's your fave team??   Would you ever apply to compete in the show??  We thinks it would be a blast.

This morning I read this article entitled, "Why You Should Not Buy Your Child an IPad" and the author mentioned that it's more productive to have a child go outside and play basketball or build a fort.  Although the author of the articple mentioned that the IPad has e-book and read-aloud capabiltities, he's never seen a child reading an e-book while using it.  The cool apps just "suck a child in" and affect a child's desire to go out and make friends and be active.  Why am I mentioning this, as I'm a missionary writing about events in Paraguay? Because it affects me.  Yesterday, while eating with some dear friends at their home in the capital, we were introduced to their new daughter-in-law.  She's smart, beautiful, in her mid-twenties and she couldn't look us in the eyes because they were glued to her smartphone.  I couldn't believe how addicted she was to hearing the "beep" of a new text message.  She couldn't even c...

Usually we shy away from those things that look a little too self-serving. For this reason, we don’t often talk of finances or of needs, especially the physical ones. However, recent events in the financial climate as well as our first-hand knowledge of how these events are dramatically affecting ministries operating here, have necessitated my writing this informative piece. Many times we Americans don’t know a whole lot about how the world functions outside of our borders. Even if we are seasoned business travelers or vacationers we only experience the other countries we visit from the small window of opportunity those things offer. Today, I wanted to take the time to tell you a little about exchange rates. Many of you may support ministries outside of the United States and if so I want to share a little bit of how those financial blessings operate once they leave the good ole U.S. of A.  While there are several countries outside the USA that use the U.S. dollar for...

Today is a wonderful day in Paraguay.  It is " Dia de la Amistad " or Friendship Day.  Everyone greets each other in a warm and special way.  People exchange small gifts, have parties and send each other lots of text messages to express how much they appreciate each other. Here are the flower arrangements that we made for our friends with a special verse:  "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves"  Romans 12:10 While we can't send you flowers today, we want to tell you how much you mean to us.  Your friendship has strengthened and encouraged us.  You sharpen us and make us more loving, more giving, more trusting and better listeners.  As Emily Dickinson said, "My friends are my estate."  You are a rich inheritance and we don't want to ever take you for granted.  We love you, dear friends and thank God that He's placed you in our lives!!

Paraguay celebrates 200 years as an independent nation on May 14-15!  We were honored to participate in the opening bicentennial activities this Saturday in the Jesus ruins , just a few minutes from our house!    The National Symphonic Orchestra held a spectacular concert with the nation's best voices (Jorge Castro, the Lopez Simon trio, Emilia Recalde) and two pieces even included a ballerina!  We were all given flags and during the concert several patriotic songs told of Paraguay's struggle to survive and thrive.  One song " Himno de la Bandera " told of the colors of the flag...the red is for justice, white is for peace, and blue is for liberty. There was a firework display like we've never witnessed here.  We couldn't figure out why there were so many armed guards, until it was announced that Paraguay's President, Fernando Lugo was present and was seated just a few rows ahead of us.  I got a blurry picture of him. Since we live six hours f...

Welcome to 2011!!!   In case you missed out, here are the top five most read posts in descending order on Passion for Paraguay during 2010.   5.  Terere-More than Just a Drink -  Here we talk about the importance of the cold version of mate tea as an essential cultural element.  4.  How to Use a Washboard Sink -  This is a how-to video I made for a children's Bible school program.  I never thought it would become so popular!  This is one of those many things I'd never thought I'd do on the mission field!  3. My God Delivered Me -  This tells the story of the assault that occurred at our house on October 23.  I've been able to share with countless people about God's faithfulness in protecting me and our son during a very scary attack.  Since then, we've put bars on our windows and heightened security, thanks to help from our friends. 2.  Christmas in Paraguay -  These are a  few of the tradit...

Countrywide, yesterday was Paraguay's municipal election.  As foreigners residing in Paraguay, we are able to vote for mayor and city officials.  We took that privilege to the voter booths.  Booths were open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. We went early to a Catholic high school a few blocks from us and were sent to the very last voting table (exclusively for foreigners) where there were no lines or waiting. We took two ballots to the private booth and deposited them in the clear bags in front of the table. Then we had to dip our index finger in ink to ensure that we don't vote again!  Thankfully, the elections were peaceable this year. We are praying that the new political leaders will fear God, will extinguish corruption and make wise decisions that will benefit the people of Paraguay.

Yesterday Transparency International came out with their yearly ranking of the most and least corrupt countries in the world.  Denmark, Singapore and New Zealand came ahead as the the least corrupt countries and Somalia topped the list as the most corrupt.  Out of 178 countries, Paraguay ranked 146.  Only Venezuela ranked worse in South America, as number 164. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks countries according to perception of corruption in the public sector. “The CPI is an aggregate indicator that combines different sources of information about corruption, making it possible to compare countries,” says the report. The 2010 CPI draws on different assessments and business opinion surveys carried out by independent and reputable institutions. It captures information about the administrative and political aspects of corruption. Broadly speaking, the surveys and assessments used to compile the index include questions relating to bribery of public o...

We were sitting around our beloved wood burning stove last Friday and Timmy slipped on a rug and fell right against the wood corner of the couch and sliced open his chin.  We went to the doctor and Timmy got his first battle wound, two stitches. The Ministry of Education declared it was too cold for kids to go back to school this next week (temps are around freezing in our area), so they are extending winter vacation a third week.  Not to mention that the teachers just lifted a hunger strike, so classes were suspended two weeks before vacation started.  In response to this sad state of national education, we start setting out in two weeks to visit churches to recruit students for our Leadership Training Institute, that will launch in March 2011!  More on that later. Lastly, we had family here for a few days and loved the warm fellowship!  Here are mom and dad Kurrle playing hymns on the accordion.  Everyone in the family had an instrument, even the lit...

We went to visit some humble Christians about 30 minutes south of us and they offered us tea.  These folks have nothing, yet are so loving and hospitable. We were touched by their spirit.

After 90 minutes of regular time, 30 minutes of overtime and finally 5 penalty kicks, Paraguay defeated Japan by 1 goal and qualified for the quarter finals to face off against Spain next Saturday. This is the first time Paraguay has reached this position in its soccer history! Eight teams of 32 remain to claim the trophy. After the game our entire town (and every city in the nation) began festivities with fireworks, spontaneous caravans and red and white decorated jubilee.   We immediately jumped into our car, grabbed our flags and joined the caravan.  Timmy got into the excitement saying "Paraguay, Paraguay!" joining the thousands on the streets. Children, bikers, motocyclists, people driving Mercedes and anything that barely moves celebrated the big win. Zach and David, our interns cheer between the blasting horns. The President has declared the two-hour Paraguayan games to be national holidays!  Almost all businesses allowed employees to halt work during the g...

Taking a break from the usual to show you a video of Timmy at preschool. He attends a German/Spanish bi-lingual school, because there are many Germans and Europeans that live in this part of Paraguay.  Since Timmy's paternal grandparents speak German and his "Papi" speaks German, and Mom only knows 5 German words, this school would help him learn this important language. This is a Father's Day program and they are each singing a short verse.  Here are the words translated:  "Hello good morning, hello good afternoon, my name is ________, hello good afternoon." Wish I could have grown up bi-lingual. Timmy taught me how to say "Guten Morgen"

On the eve of Paraguay's second World Cup game, the entire country is looking for a win against Slovakia this Sunday morning. As our country gears up with excitement for the games, we've been preparing as well...  We cut down a bamboo post from the lake area nearby to add some meters to our tv antennae!  Also, we've been praying over various people that we hope to invite over to watch the games.  One of the first neighbors we invited was someone we've felt burdened to pray for.  While he talked a lot during the game; he started sharing with us about one of his friends who is having a lot of problems.  Norberto told him he'd be happy to go talk to his friend and the next morning he went to visit Mr. Morales. The man immediately acknowledged how he needed God to take control of his life and he shared how he wanted to start a relationship with the Lord.  Now, Norberto is starting discipleship with Mr. Morales and we pray that we continue to reach out ...

On our way to visit the Ach é Indians (pronounced Ah·CHAY) this week we passed by this beautiful scene...  We also passed by this scene.....He submerged his back tires in thick mud and abandoned his vehicle until the mud dries up. That's a bad day. When we arrived at the village, we were immediately welcomed by our warm friends.  The Ach é are hunters and gathers.  They still use bow and arrow to hunt and they have become adept in agriculture as well.  Last year they purchased their first tractor and after this year's soy harvest, they were able to pay off their tractor debt! The 1500 Ach é that are living in Paraguay do not yet have the Bible in their own tongue.  For that very reason,  a team of translators is fervently working on the 10 year project.  Right now they are translating the Pauline letters, as they have already finished the Gospels.   The goal is to finish by 2015.  If you would like to help sponsor a verse of the Bible...

These are our new neighbors.  They weren't here last week, but now they're building their home 500 meters to the west of us.  Their home is the ultimate in recycling: In Paraguay, when people move, many take their houses with them!  This is a home that is being re-constructed on a new lot!  Paraguayans reuse any scrap wood, old roof tiles and flooring to create a humble abode.  This is the soy field that separates us: We had our very first neighborhood organizational meeting last night.  It was great, forty people of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds came together on logs, drank terere and were unified in our desire to better our growing neighborhood.  We are still considered "outside of town" so our district has not gotten too much attention.  We met primarily because we are increasingly concerned about the toxins that the farmers are spraying on the soy/wheat fields, so close to our homes.  We invited the mayor to come to...

Saturday was a special work day at church. Believe it or not, I was in charge of the food (along with some great helpers).     You may be wondering what in the world I'm cooking in.  It is a specially created cooking dish, made from an old disk from a tractor disk harrow (see picture).   Paraguayans are amazingly resourceful.  We use our special pan to make all kinds of wonderful dishes.  Here I am making a typical Paraguayan dish called Guiso .  It's like a vegetable stew with rice or noodles.  It is a family favorite.  Traditionally, it is accompanied with mandioca (yucca plant) pictured below or bread. The purpose of the work day was to build a children's playground.  In our entire city, there is not one playground with safe toys!  Most parks have broken swings and rusted slides that can cut children.  Norberto is spear-heading the project (he has an engineer's mind) and has been visiting several carpenters to ...