And the Class Goes On

The girls and I just got back home from their weekend at camp. I didn't actually attend, but I went this evening on the colectivo (public bus) to escort them back home. They had a blast. When we first heard about this camp and enrolled them, Ken and I imagined taking a little weekend getaway to explore places we've not yet been in PY. But with our wonderful Mission Mobile still in the shop, we ended up chilling at home. This was fine, because I got in several much needed naps, and slept late one morning.

I begin my last week of Guarani classes tomorrow. I have a l-o-n-g way to go in being fluent, but I can already tell a difference in speaking and understanding folks around here. This language is so important to our ministry, as it is the heart language of so many Paraguayans. Being able to communicate God's love to them in the language they are most comfortable, is just so special. It's tough for me to explain in a short blog post, but so much of their cultural identity is wrapped up in this language, and I'm feeling so privileged to be able to learn more about it in the class.

I told you about some of the adventures surrounding the class, and these have just continued. In this past week, I've ridden in the rain several more times (I've learned to enjoy it in this heat). The motorcycle has left us stranded twice on the long stretch between our town and the next one, once with a flat tire, once with an electrical malfunction. Another day the chain popped, which meant I took the colectivo to the end of the dirt road and walked my way in. That sounds a little like I'm whining, but in reality it was nice, too. It was a sunny, crisp morning, even though the day before and after that one, it rained. I walked quietly for about a half-hour, in clear skies and peaceful communion with the Lord.

The months since furlough, Ken's surgery, and now the class, have been so far removed from our normal schedule, and I'm learning to look to God each day for His plan. I certainly wouldn't have arranged things quite like He has, but I can see His hand in every step--okay, almost every step. I'd still like to have our car back and haven't quite figured out what God's up to with that one, but He's faithful. :)

None of the craziness outweighs the Guarani learning and the friendships I've made. The best part for my family is that Andy's wife is a ridiculously talented cook, and her daily lunches have given me lots of new ideas for our menu at home. I told her I'm learning as much from her cooking as I am in the class! I also am enjoying being around other missionaries living out their callings, and hearing about what God's up to throughout Paraguay. This has been another period of our life here when I can't believe I'm actually here, and I'm so thankful that God saw fit to let us be part of His plan in this country.

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