So I wait.

Two big, black duffel bags.

Exactly 50 pounds each.

Ready for a 4,000+ mile journey.

...Fast forward 22 months...

Two big, black duffel bags.

Almost 50 pounds each.

Resting from the 4,000+ mile journey.

Colorful duct tape caring for the wounds inflicted by their travel. 

And here I am.

Back "home."

Or at least, that's what they tell me.

"It's so good to have you home."

~~

HOME.

That silly word again.

I'm not sure how I feel about it this time. 

Because this time, I'm not on "vacation" like I was last time. 

Last time was a six-week trip to the US to be with family and friends for the holidays and fundraise for year two. 

Now, it's just life. 

For the first time in a long, long time I'm unemployed.

Currently...

I'm not a missionary.

I'm not a teacher. 

I'm just Cassidy.

Cassidy, who gets her last paycheck on Tuesday.

Cassidy, who has plans for the future swirling in her head, along with a bucketful of emotions.

Cassidy, who left her heart in Paraguay and is finding out what pieces she has here.

And it feels weird. 

The question I've heard the most in these last ten days has been "So how long are you here for?"

And every time I don't know the answer. 

I'm waiting on God. 

And for the first time in my life I'm just... STILL.

No job.

No concrete plans.

...A mountain of debt... 

So I'm just taking things moment by moment. 

One step at a time. 

He told me Step One was Get on the Plane.

Step Two was Go to Lyz's Wedding. 

And now... I wait.

I wait as God reveals Step Three, Four, Five...

But I have faith. I have hope.

I know He'll make a way.

I know He'll show off like always with a Plan much better than my own. 

So I wait. 

Happy Friday! Or in my case, not so happy....

As you may know, I am planning to return to the US in just a few short weeks. What many people in Paraguay are now realizing is that I'm not planning to return next year. 

Just minutes ago, I made a whole class of third graders cry. Needless to say, I was crying, too. 

I need your prayers. My students need your prayers. My transition to the US isn't going to be easy. Not only for me, but for the hundreds of students, friends, and "family" I'm leaving behind. 

After this morning's experience with third grade, I'm not sure how I'm going to break the news to the other classes that haven't heard yet.

Please pray for me as I do so over these last three weeks of school. 

It's hard to explain to young children why I'm going because I want to stay in Paraguay.

I love teaching at New Horizon.

I love living in Paraguay.

I love my life here.

I love my students.

I love my friends.

But, I'm an adult. An adult with $30,000 in student loans, struggling to raise financial support to stay in Paraguay, with a contract hanging over my head that says "you must work for four years in the US or you owe us $16,000." 

(the TEACH Grant, I received as financial aid.)

So being the responsible adult that I am, I booked a one-way ticket. 

It's sometimes hard to leave when you want to. It's always million times harder when you don't.

So I'm asking for your prayers.

Pray for me in my last weeks in Paraguay. Pray that people see my impact here. The way God worked through me these last two years. Pray that I am reminded of it, too. 

Pray for me as I pack and travel. Although I love change (usually), it's the transitions that cause me to have emotional breakdowns. 

Pray for my transition back to US culture. It's going to be a tough challenge speaking English everyday again, eating different foods, changing cultural routines. And please, I ask for grace as I wade through these muddy mental waters of reverse culture shock. 

Pray for my future. Pray as I listen for God's voice to direct me to what's next. I'm praying hard for a miracle. A miracle that will help pay my debts and put me back on a plane to Paraguay -- ¡pronto!

Because as our school's theme verse this year reminds us, 

NOTHING is impossible for GOD! 

So I'm praying, hard. 

Because my God is bigger than $30,000 of student loans. 

Bigger than the $16,000 I'd have to pay if I don't go back to teach.

Bigger than the $12,000+ per year I have to raise to stay in Paraguay.

Will you pray with me? 

Delight yourself in the LORD,

and he will give you the desires of your heart. 

Psalm 37:4

For nothing is impossible with God.

Luke 1:37

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

         And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

         And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 

What the Lord spoke to me a few months ago...

This is what the Lord says: “When [four] years are completed for [your TEACH Grant], I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord...

Jeremiah 29:10-14a

Twenty-Three

Usually New Year's Eve is a time for people to look back and reflect on their year, see their accomplishments, and look forward to what's to come. Last year however, as I looked forward to my twenty-third year of life, I decided to reflect back on everything that happened in my exciting year twenty-two.

Today, as I prepare to leave this afternoon to spend the weekend serving at another Encounter with God - this time for adolescents, most being my science lab students last year - I'm thinking back on this year and remembering all the neat things that have happened. 

I turned 23 on the 23rd last August and I was determined to make this a good year. Since I was in first grade, 23 has been my favorite number, and for it to be my favorite number and my golden birthday, something amazing had to happen this year right?

Twenty-three started off with a celebration with my host family at a new restaurant with a whole buffet of beautiful desserts. I later was whisked off to a surprise dinner with all the missionaries. This part included driving through Asunción in the dark after the power went out, with part of the surprise ruined as Natalie and Mary scrambled to call everyone to change locations to the other Mexican restaurant in town that actually had power. What a memory!! :D 

God really spoke to me at the end of August at the Encounter with God for women and I had an unforgettable experience, realizing how much I have a call to serve.  

September is special because I spent a week in Yrybucua serving with the St. Matthew medical clinic team and experienced God in such a tangible way. 

After that trip, a new friendship blossomed into true love as Nolberto and I started talking everyday.... which has resulted in a now six-month relationship with the love of my life. :)

In November, I finished my first year of teaching, an accomplishment years in the making, and felt so proud of myself. I was also in a little disbelief that I survived, but all the more confident that I was exactly where I needed to be and excited to come back for year two. 

December was a difficult transition back home with reverse culture shock hitting me hard and the realization that my heart will never be complete again, as it's split in pieces now. 

January was full of traveling.... Florida, Seattle, Ohio, Olivet, Chicago, Paraguay... all within three weeks! It was an absolute blast to see new places, and spend quality time with so many loved ones who I hadn't seen in so long. 

My time in Paraguay has been more difficult this year than last, but every time I get discouraged, I'm reminded of how much of a difference I'm making. When I came back, my colleagues at school were so happy to see me and my students were excited to have me as their teacher again. 

In May for Teacher's Day, I received so many notes and gifts from students, expressing their love and appreciation for me. Once again reminding me that my purpose here, to share God's love, was being fulfilled. 

I've had a wonderful year serving in various capacities and deepening relationships, and the only bad part in all of this will be having to say goodbye at the end of the year. 

Today, my amazing fifth graders threw me surprise parties in the morning and afternoon classes. Each one wrote me a card that that almost made me cry. Each one wrote how much they love me and how I'm "the best teacher in the world." They wrote about my patience and kindness and how I make them laugh. They wrote how thankful they are for me and how they know it's hard to be away from my family on my birthday. One girl wrote, "but we are your second family." :)

Twenty-three sure was great, but it looks like twenty-four is shaping up to be wonderful as well. :)

Thank you God, for leading me exactly where I need to be and for showing me I'm making a difference! :)

Ministry update - August 3rd

Hola a todos!

Wow, it's been a crazy few weeks here in Paraguay. 

Winter is coming to a fast close as temperatures are back up to the 80s and 90s again some days. 

Over our two week winter vacation in July, I helped serve at the first ever youth camp for the North District at the Quinta Linea church near Yrybucua. Over 50 teens and young adults from 7 different churches participated. It was a wonderful two days full of dynamic preaching, fun games and competitions, rocking out to some new worship music, and lots of fellowship. Everyone left with a deeper understanding of God's love, and a renewed hunger to continue growing in their relationship with their Heavenly Father.

Group photo
Credit: Eliane Lacentre

Credit: Eliane Lacentre

Credit: Eliane Lacentre

Credit: Eliane Lacentre

Credit: Eliane Lacentre

Credit: Eliane Lacentre

On the second day, Pastora Joyce from Brazil, who preached at the national youth camp in February, gave a workshop on evangelism and then we spilt into four big groups and did some door-to-door evangelism. Several people accepted Christ in just the one hour we went out. Praise the Lord!

Credit: Eliane Lacentre

Credit: Eliane Lacentre

Credit: Eliane Lacentre

The youth in this district have so much potential and we're so glad the dream of having this camp became a reality. This camp allowed them to grow deeper in their relationship with the Lord and see how they can use their gifts to further God's kingdom. We're looking forward to doing more activities in this district in the future. 

While we were in Yrybucua for the camp, we helped continue the work on the new medical clinic with the team from Alpharetta First United Methodist Church in Georgia. On our last day, we held our devotional on site to dedicate the clinic and pray over every wall. 

Worshipping in the clinic

Special handmade quilt from Alpharetta for the clinic

Working hard to build the inside walls 

Prayer Requests:

- For the youth of the North District. Pray that the presence of the Lord they experienced at camp is something they will continue to grow in each day. That they will become leaders in their churches and help to spread Christ's love in their homes and communities.

- Pray for the upcoming Encounter with God and spiritual retreats. For the participants to be open to receive, for those serving, for the weather, sound equipment, etc. Pray however you feel led, and feel free to join us as we fast 6, 12, and 18 hours in the weeks leading up to the events. 

• Adolescents and Youth Encounter with God: Aug 21-23
• Women's Encounter with God: Aug 289-30
• Men's Spiritual Retreat: September

- Continue to pray for Osmar Vera, as he continues his recovery from the motorcycle accident he had in April. He is now walking again, with help, and is still attending physical therapy twice a week in Santani. (An hour from his house).

Osmar at his house in Yrybucua

- Pray for me as I finish my last FOUR months in Paraguay. Time is flying, and as my departure draws nearer everyday, my heart is torn into pieces when I think about leaving this beautiful country that I love so dearly. Pray for the transition, emotions, job search, and everything else that comes with moving internationally. 

Love you all,

Cassidy

Nothing is Impossible for God!

Hola a todos, 

As you may have heard on Facebook, or through other means, last Thursday night I was robbed at knifepoint on my way home from school. As we head into winter, the sun has been setting pretty early and by 6:30 it's already pretty dark outside. At about 6;15pm, I was walking home from school, getting ready to relax and enjoy our long weekend. I only walk about three blocks from school to home, so very often this year I've walked home by myself, since I often stay later to grade papers and prepare lessons and no longer have a roommate to walk with me.  

Unfortunately, on that short walk I encountered two young men walking the same direction as I was who ended up assaulting me. One stopped and the other kept walking. I thought it was odd, but didn't think too much of it. As I kept walking, passing the one who stopped, I heard footsteps behind me running at me and then felt the guy grab me from behind and hold a knife to my back while the other turned around and they both started asking for my phone and purse. In order not to be harmed by the knife, I quickly complied, handing over all my belongings. Once they had what they wanted they ran off, and luckily I wasn't physically harmed.

It wasn't until after they ran off that I was deeply scared about what had happened. In the moment I felt calm and knew if I just gave them what I wanted I'd be okay. I thank God for His hand of protection over me that kept me calm and safe.  

Although this was a very traumatic experience that will affect me for a while longer, I refuse to be defeated by this. My God will always have the victory! As I sat home on Sunday night, grading the mountain of exams that were in the bag the robbers didn't steal, I began to see the results of all my hard work teaching English these last few months. Third graders drawing objects in a house according to instructions in English, fourth graders writing what they want to be when they grow up, and fifth graders combining various skills in order to change singular sentences to plural. And most important of all, every student answering the bonus point question, completing our theme verse this year NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD! Luke 1:37

And that's just it, NOTHING is impossible for God! I believe this with my whole heart, that nothing in my life is too much or too big for my God to handle. I've faced many obstacles and challenges this year, but I must always keep my eyes on Him and remember that He is bigger than all of it. And I encourage you to do the same today. 

Whatever you are facing, whether it's daily stresses or recovering from a robbery, just remember that Nothing is Impossible for God, and that He will bring you through. 

Blessings to all of you,

Cassidy

I am still in URGENT need of funds to keep me here the rest of the year, please consider making a donation by visiting www.uwm.org/give

I need your help! - June 8th Update

Hello everyone!

Paraguay is heading into wintertime which means temps are cooling down and we're finishing up the first semester here at New Horizon. All of us teachers are busy preparing final exams and grading papers, and our students are studying hard.

As I mentioned in my last update, I am in urgent need of funds to stay in Paraguay for the rest of the school year. I am currently only funded through JULY. I still have six more months left in the school year, which means I need your help.

Please prayfully consider committing to a monthly donation for the next six months, or making a one-time donation.

Your continued support helps young students in Lambaré and youth in Asunción learn English that will help prepare them for a successful future and create new opportunities for them. You are also helping kids in the San Vicente neighborhood of Asunción learn about Jesus in my Saturday bible class. Not to mention the countless other Paraguayans who I interact with at various events throughout the year.

Please prayfully consider investing in God's work here in Paraguay.
You can do so by visiting www.uwm.org/give

This week's prayer requests and praises:

- Pray for my students who will be taking their English exams tomorrow and for me as I grade all 300+ exams afterward and finish final grades by the end of the month. 

- Pray for the children who come to our bible classes at church on Saturday afternoons. We are praising God that our children's program is growing. Pray for them to learn about God's love and be a light in their homes to help bring their families to church. 

- Pray for Fernando and Diosnel, two 12-year-old boys who have started coming to church every week and are growing in their faith. When asked why he started coming to church, Fernando said "Because I feel loved here."

- PRAISE: Osmar is finally back at home after almost two months in Asunción after his motorcycle accident. The doctors said his head/brain is doing just fine and now he will continue physical therapy in Yrybucua. He is gaining mobility each day in his hand and foot, but still cannot walk yet. 

Thank you for your prayers!

May God bless you,

Cassidy

May 2015 - Ministry Update

Happy Monday!

Here in Paraguay we're heading into winter soon and the temperatures have been up and down the last few weeks. We've experienced several heavy rainstorms that have damaged some properties. One first grade student's house was damaged and her family has moved in with relatives. Please pray for her family and others in the neighborhood who have experienced damages.

The time is passing so quickly due to my busy schedule. Even on my one off day a week I am usually running errands and planning lessons, which makes it hard to find rest. 

Here's a look at my schedule this year:

Sunday:

Morning church service at Príncipe de Paz 

4:00pm English class with youth at Príncipe de Paz

Monday:

"Day off"

Used to get done everything I can't fit in on the other days.

Tuesday through Friday:

I teach thirty ESL classes to preschool through fifth grade as well as private lessons to a couple different students at the school who want to improve their fluency.

Tuesday nights I teach about a two-hour English lesson to my friend Karen and spend the night at her house. 

Saturday:

Church activities at Príncipe de Paz

2:00 Young Women's Group

4:00 I teach the youngest children's Bible class (4-8 yr old)

5:00 Young Adult Study Group

7:00 Reunión de Jóvenes - Youth/Young Adult Group (17 and up)

Many Friday nights to Saturday mornings I attend training workshops for different areas of ministry. 

This month I attended a workshop on using games and sports in Children's ministry and a retreat for youth leaders. 

I apologize for the sparse communication this year, but as you can see, I'm much busier every day than I was last year and during the school day I don't have as much planning time since I have to teach so many classes. I often stay at school until 7:00pm to finish plans and grade papers or bring my books to plan at home. The twelve hour days are very tiring and once I get home I often have other things to get done before I can finally rest. 

I have also been spending a lot of time at the hospital the last six weeks with Nolberto and his family as his brother, Osmar, has been recovering from his motorcyle accident and cranial surgery afterward. This has been such an interesting experience for me, as I have learned a lot about the medical system in Paraguay, which I will be blogging about soon. As Osmar recovered in intensive therapy and later in neurology, his family members were left to sit outside in the parking lot, rain or shine, waiting for the nurses to bring out lists of medications and supplies that his parents had to purchase at the pharmacy for the doctors to use. After the first two weeks, visitors and offerings had greatly diminished, but luckily I have been able to visit each week, even on Pastor Felipe's birthday and Mother's Day, when the family couldn't be together. It's been a blessing to me to be able to get to know them more and be with them through this difficult time. 

This year has not only been busy, but also very stressful and difficult emotionally, which has affected my physical and emotional health. I visited my doctor recently and am working with him to find a solution to my problems. Please pray with me as I seek the Lord for peace and answers.

This year has been so different than last year and God is teaching me so many new things through the good and the bad. I'm enjoying my new church and the new opportunities to serve in various ministries and build relationships with the youth. Although my class load has doubled since last year, I am really enjoying teaching so many different grade levels and spreading God's love through my teaching. This year I've started teaching English to individual students and in my church and have really enjoyed it. Teaching English opens doors for these young people to communicate with mission teams as translators and build new skills as well as to travel and study in the US. I love how God is using my talents to help others in such a neat way. 

I want to thank you all for your support and prayers. Please continue praying for me and my health, my host family, my students at school, my church, as well as the country of Paraguay. Also pray for Osmar, as he continues his recovery through physical therapy in Ñemby. 

I am excited to see how the Lord will continue to use me these last six months before I return home. 

Speaking of which, I am still in need of funds to cover the last few months of my ministry here. I would love to find a few more people who would be willing to commit to a monthly gift for the next six months to help me finish strong before I must leave the field. Please pray with me as I continue to raise my last months of support as well as the funds for my plane ticket home.  

If you are interested in becoming a part of my ministry in Paraguay, please visit www.uwm.org/give to give a one time or recurring monthly donation. 

I thank you so much in advance for your investment in the lives of these young people I serve each day. 

May God bless each of you abundantly, 

Cassidy

An Unexpected Blessing

I love serving a God who knows my heart's desires and who loves to surprise me with everything I want and need in different seasons of my life.

Last year I came to Paraguay while currently in a relationship. I learned so much both during the relationship and in the months after it ended. I dug deeper into my calling and obedience and fell more in love each day with my host country and its people as I saw them through God's eyes of love. Little did I know, God was up to something bigger than I had imagined.

In the few weeks leading up to September, my roommate, Natalie, and I had many typical girly conversations about guys and marriage and the future. I was in a great place, thankful for the new season of singleness and excited for what God had awaiting me in the future, though I quickly found out His future was a little closer than expected.

In the middle of September I left for a week-long medical trip to the interior with a group from the US. My primary role on the trip was to supervise and tutor the lead missionaries' daughter.

Upon arriving in Yrybucua, I was quickly introduced to two young Paraguayan men who had recently returned from spending almost three years in South Korea learning English and studying at an international seminary. Alexis and Nolberto would be an essential part of the translation team since they can speak both Guarani and English, leaving out the middle step of translating to Spanish.

I spent the week teaching in the mornings and helping with translation and triage at the clinic in the afternoons. Lunch and dinner times were opportunities to fellowship with new friends. I enjoyed getting to know new people, serving in a new location, and most of all, experiencing the presence of God in an almost tangible way. It was an unforgettable week that left a mark on my life forever for many reasons.

I left Yrybucua with so much joy in my heart. God had begun something new in me that has yet to go away. The love I have for the people of this country and God's vision for their futures never seems to end.

Though as I looked out the window at the gorgeous sunset amidst the sprawling landscape of God's perfect creation as I returned back to "normal life" in Lambaré, there was something, or rather someone, I just couldn't get off my mind.

Nolberto.

One of the young men I met within my first two minutes in Yrybucua.
A man who loves the Lord and  serves with his whole heart.

We immediately hit it off during our very first conversation and spent the week getting to know each other, speaking both English and Spanish. I was surprised how well I got along with someone new so quickly and the neat things we had in common. Going home I couldn't get him off my mind. I knew right away this guy was special and I wanted to continue a friendship with him. I was secretly hoping I'd run into him again before I had to go back to the US in December.  Though it's kind of hard to "run into" someone who lives three hours away...

When I got back to the city I found him on Facebook. Within five minutes he had accepted my friend request and  by the end of the weekend we  had exchanged numbers and were chatting nonstop on Whatsapp. We had a blast getting to know one another and quickly found out that despite coming from completely different worlds, we had many things in common, especially our dreams for the future.

My plan to get to know this sweet guy and have a new friend in Paraguay to serve with, soon became much more than that. Since the day we exchanged numbers in September, we have talked almost every. single. day.

It was a friendship that was meant to be that quickly turned into something much deeper. As we began to share our hearts with one another and see each other at church events and brief visits on Saturday afternoons, we slowly began to fall in love. We prayed separately for what God was doing in our lives and we started talking on the phone for hours at a time, always ending with a prayer for God's direction in our relationship as we became much closer friends.

In December I visited his house in Yrybucua to meet his whole family for lunch and had a wonderful day with him out in the same places I had so strongly felt the Lord's presence just months before. It was beautiful.

The six weeks I spent in the US to visit family and friends just made our bond stronger, as we communicated daily about our holiday activities and expressed how much we wish the other was there to share in our traditions. 

When I got back to Paraguay I was excited to see him again in person. Now that I am in my second year of mission work and the "no dating nationals" rule was lifted, we have more freedom to advance our relationship. 

The first weekend back, I spent two days serving at the National Methodist Assembly. Nolberto happened to be there as well. It was wonderful to serve alongside him, while also joking and laughing with our friends. 

One week later, he formally asked my Paraguayan parents for their blessing and prayers for our relationship. 

This past Wednesday we were able to meet with the bishop to tell him about our relationship and receive his blessing as well, as he is our authority in our ministry positions. He prayed with us and congratulated us. And now I'd like to ask you all to do the same. Would you please pray for us?

Nolberto and I have entered into a serious relationship that we hope will lead to marriage one day. Our future goals include serving the Lord together, wherever He calls us, and starting a family. We love each other deeply, more and more each day we spend together. God has brought us a lot of peace and confidence about our relationship and we love watching it blossom. 

We would love your support as we continue to follow God's calling in both our individual lives, and as a couple. We both have very busy schedules, as we are heavily involved in both church and school activities, so we would love your prayers for strength and energy. And because of those busy schedules, we will only see each other maybe twice a month this year. Please pray for our relationship as the distance can be quite difficult. We are excited to move forward each day into what God has for us and we're excited to share this news with you. :)

Thanks for your prayers and support!

A Busy Start! (PHOTOS!)

Hello again!

I've been in Paraguay now for almost two months! It seems like every year time just flies by faster and faster and this year is no different. In fact, this year really does seem to be the fastest and busiest ever! I have done so much in just a few weeks and I'm way overdue for an update! Here's a look and what I've been up to since my arrival. :)

The first weekend I was back in Paraguay, the Methodist church had their National Assembly. I attended as a "naranjita" and spent the two days serving alongside other volunteer youth from various churches. It was a great time of fellowship with new friends and old. 

Taking a tereré break with the girls

Afterwards, Bishop Pedro and his wife, Carla, took us out for a snack, fruit salad at Paraguari, to thank us for our hard work!

Every year at the national assembly, the bishop appoints each pastor to the church they will be working with for the year. This can mean staying at the same church or moving to a new one. This year there were quite a few changes in the Central district where I live, along with some others. 

Ordination service for two new Methodist pastors

Fuente de Vida receives their new head pastor, Alcides,
and children's and women's ministry director, Carla

This year was the first ever spiritual retreat for the faculty and staff of the four educational institutions under the Methodist church. These include: New Horizon School in Lambaré, Susana Wesley School in Yrybucuá, the Vocational Center in Yrybucuá, and the Mary Jo Phillips Daycare in Asunción. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual enrichment before we began our busy school schedules. 

Last year, Sue, Natalie, and I hosted a few sleepovers for Sue's two "god daughters," Antonella and Tali. This year's first sleepover was on Valentine's Day. Due to some rain we weren't able to camp outside, but we still made "camp food," and the girls got a special surprise! Autograph books from Disney World filled with signatures from all their favorite Disney Characters! The girls spent the evening coloring pictures of the characters to fill their book while we watched Mr. Popper's Penguins. 

February 16th we started the 2015 school year. These year's theme verse is Luke 1:37 "Nothing is impossible for God!" As always, the teachers had a big assembly to introduce the students to the year's theme and this year we did a skit about social networks and how they can be used to glorify God! The students enjoyed it and we had a lot of fun pretending to be technology-addicted teens while we took selfies onstage! 

The last weekend in February was the annual National Methodist Young Adult Camp (17+). This year's theme was Attention! Nehemiah 4:17 - one hand at work for the kingdom, with the other hand armed with our weapon, the Word of God! This year over 120 young adults participated, a new record! Many of this year's participants were invited by a friend or students who haven't been attending church in a long time. It was great to see the youth hungry for God and actively seeking Him and His presence at camp. The testimonies heard afterwards were amazing. God really spoke to many and we all left excited to bring our passion and energy to the local churches. 

Leadership team with Pastora Joyce, our guest preacher from Brazil

This year marks 25 years of marriage for my host parents. Just a few days after their anniversary they renewed their vows in a special ceremony. As one of their "daughters," I was invited to participate in part of the court. It was a great night of memories and love and I felt honored to be recognized as a part of the family. I am so thankful for my host family and so glad I have such a great family to share life with here. :)

Here's a few more pictures from the past few weeks! 

On Valentine's Day I started a five week Spiritual Warfare class at the seminary

Last weekend I participated in a two day training for a new children's
program we will be starting in the local churches this year - JUAD!

Cielo (PreK), Evelyn, Celeste, and Claudia. (3rd graders)

Shaiel learning "Good  Night" in Preschool!

As you can see, it sure has been busy around here! The school year is off to a great start and God has been teaching me so much through many different experiences. This year is going to be full of challenges, but I'm up for the fight! Please keep me in your prayers! :)

Ñandejara tapenderovasa! - God bless you all!

Hit the Ground Running

Year Two.

I can't believe it! Can you?

     Two years ago I was starting my student teaching and dreaming of moving to Paraguay. Now here I am enjoying a relaxing Sunday evening before my busy school schedule begins. 

     People have asked me what I'm most looking forward to this year and I think it's the fact that I'm coming back with experience this time. 

     Last year everything was new and I spent every day learning. Whether it was a new cultural custom, a school routine, a bus route, a family tradition, every day was a learning experience and by the end of the year I finally felt like I was really getting the hang of life in Paraguay. About halfway through the year I really started getting into a groove and really feeling like Paraguay was "home." I started traveling a lot in September, and the last few months of the year were packed with end of the year school activities and almost every weekend was spent traveling or attending conferences and camps. The relationships I started building with acquaintances since January grew into deeper friendships by the time I left in December. 

     When I left to go to my other home for six weeks, I was actually a little sad to leave. Although I was coming back soon, I knew I was going to miss my friends, Paraguayan family, and my routines. And sure enough, I did. I missed sharing tereré with friends, greeting people with two kisses or a handshake, and a lot of other little cultural things that I didn't realize I loved so much until they were missing from my every day. I ended up having a wonderful time in the States visiting with so many friends and family, and really enjoyed being at my home church again sharing about my experiences last year and teaching both the children and adults about Paraguayan culture. Though when the day came to board a big plane back south, I sure was excited!

     During the six weeks I was in the States I experienced so much jet lag from being in a different time zone almost every week, I had such a hard time falling into a regular sleeping pattern. The first two days in Paraguay I mostly spent sleeping between attempts to unpack and re-organize my room. Which by the way, this is the first time in my life I've had my very OWN room! It can be kind of strange and lonely sometimes after having someone to share with for 23 years, but I'm definitely enjoying the peace of being by myself to think as I get settled in again. 

     My first weekend back I served as a "naranjita" at the Methodist National Assembly, which meant a lot time on my feet for two days and sharing a twin bed with a friend, which I spent most of the night paranoid I was going to kick her head, so I didn't sleep much. After an exhausting start to my year I began waking up early for work at the school, which has meant sneaking in afternoon naps and attempting (and mostly failing) at going to bed early. The summer heat makes everyone want to relax all day because it's too hot to do anything, so I haven't been quite as productive as I've wanted to. I'm trying to enjoy my last few days of relaxation before the busyness really starts. 

     Next Monday classes start at New Horizon and I begin my thirty-classes-a-week schedule of English teaching. I'll be teaching pre-school through fifth grade ESL with an aide for pre-school through second. It'll be a busy few months until Colleen gets back to teach the younger grades in June, but I'm excited. I've decided to focus on the positives of teaching new grade levels and building a good relationship with my aide, Ana, instead of getting overwhelmed with the idea of all I have to do this year. I did get really stressed out last week as I was bombarded with a lot of challenges for the year, but I was quickly reminded that God has it all under control. 

    This year won't be possible if I do it all by my own strength. If you haven't noticed, I'm kind of small and weak. I will honestly fail if I try to do all I have to do on my own, but there's good news! My God is way bigger than all of the mountains ahead and His strength is much more reliable than mine. I can rest in the comfort of these truths as I leave everything in His hands. So for now, I'm going to breath, be excited as I prepare my lesson plans, and enjoy the last few days of extra sleep before I climb those mountains! 

~

Psalm 18:29-30(NIV)

With your help I can advance against a troop;
    with my God I can scale a wall.
As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him. 

Psalm 91:11-12 (NIV)

For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

For we live by faith, not by sight.

Psalm 105:4 (NIV)

Look to the Lord and his strength;
    seek his face always.