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!