It is wonderful to be writing this as we are sitting here together as a family (minus Andrew) in our home in Paraguay! The last update we sent was during the time that Barry was here and the rest of us were in the states. Being apart for 6 weeks definitely reminded us how easy it is to take each other for granted and realize how fortunate we are to be together every day. We really wish Andrew could be here with us, but are excited for him that he has finished out his first semester at MNU very well. He is enjoying his holiday break with family and friends and embracing the adult life working at his new job.
We have felt many answers to prayers since we have come down south. One thing that we have asked so many of you to pray with us for was open hearts of the people here in Paraguay. The welcome and love that we have experienced since our arrival has been overwhelming. The Vargas’ (Nazarene missionaries living here with us), the churches, and people that we have crossed paths with have opened their doors and their lives to us and helped us feel at home. Alex and Alyssa are adjusting very well and have had a wonderful attitude about embracing this new time in their lives. The youth group at Fernando de La Mora Church of the Nazarene has taken the kids under their wing and claimed them as their own. They play charades to replace all the missing Spanish words to complete each other’s thoughts and sentences and if that doesn’t work, they just play soccer. God is always faithful and takes such good care of us!
There are some things that we do not enjoy being welcomed by…that would be the scorpions that have greeted us at our door several times.
One was more than enough, but 4 in two weeks!! Way more than enough! Alyssa just loves it when they show up in her bathroom and she really loves the lizards on the wall of her bedroom. Now…these little ladies are always fun to greet.
They are the newest additions to our family, Betsy, the fluffy one, and Lucky. After leaving our precious dogs behind in Hot Springs, we have filled the void. They always make us smile.
We have definitely kept ourselves busy since we arrived. Besides all the details of getting settled, getting involved with the different churches and trying to get to know the pastors and people of the churches has been exciting. Just after Barry arrived he was a part of the district assemblies here in Paraguay.
He has also spoken in several churches, at a youth retreat, and held a year end celebration for all of the pastors and leaders. Charlie even preached once for a Saturday night youth gathering. Barry speaking in Spanish and Charlie cooking for whoever wants a cake or something to eat is the better plan. It has actually been a wonderful experience for both of us and the parts we lack just add a little entertainment value to the communication. We have also had some fun having new friends to the house to share in the local gourmet. Barry is glad to have his parilla back and so is everyone that eats from it!
Despite the 100 degree plus weather and heavy humidity that confuses us and makes us think it’s July or August, we have done a few things around the house to make it feel a little more Christmassy. A bright, fun Christmas tree makes us feel merry and most importantly, we have the nativity scene. The fireplace is pretty much worthless at this time, and pretty much any time, in Paraguay so it has been transformed into a stable. Per our family tradition, Baby Jesus is missing because He will not arrive until Christmas Eve.
We have not been very quick at getting news your way as we have been settling in (partly because, until last week, we had to sit in the front, right, one square foot corner of the house to get internet) mostly because it has been a little crazy. However, it is most definitely not been because we have not thought of you and prayed for you often. I wish that we could somehow express to each one of you individually how much we love you, appreciate you, and treasure your prayers and support. Your prayers and support make an incredible difference in our ministry. Because of all that you have given, we have been able to purchase two vehicles (a car for our family and ministry needs and a truck for Barry’s work on the field). Praise the Lord and thank you, thank you, thank you!!
We have a tremendous amount of peace and joy and excitement in our hearts being here, serving Christ, but there is always a piece missing having you all so far away. We continue to thank the Lord for each one of you and will pray constantly for you. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and thank you again for all that you have done to help us get on the field and support us through this transition in our lives. We love you and hope that you have a very, very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!!
Barry, Charlie, Andrew, Alex, and Alyssa…Betsy and Lucky
