Paraguay Para Mi

 

“It was very helpful and beneficial, especially the culture and language sessions with Paraguayan people. I wish I had known some of the things I\’ve learned, earlier in life here.”

The above is a brief glimpse at some of the comments from the teens who attended the Paraguay Para Mi course that Ithie Jackson and I put on for 17-19 year old MKs here in Paraguay.

The seven day course involved class time learning Paraguayan history, Paraguayan culture, why clear communication is important, as well as learning key points of Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and examples of how to use the language on a daily basis (like giving/getting directions, buying items, etc.). A number of Paraguayan friends came in to help us with this.

Some of the highlights for the students were when we were with Paraguayan friends at their houses, prepared Paraguayan food and visited for a while. We also had excursions were they saw and learned about various historical sites in the area, the port downtown (where in the past we shipped supplies by boat to missionaries who lived on the Paraguay river), the open market area (commonly called Mercado 4 and Pettirosi), the vegetable market, the town of Itagua — famous for Paraguay\’s spider web lace called ñanduti, and the town of Aregua — famous for it\’s pottery. They had speaking (communication) assignments during most of these excursions.

We had hoped to have around nine teens come, but due to other commitments only three teens and one of the mothers could make it. What we\’ve learned from this first time doing something like this for the MKs will be a big help as we hope to do it again in the future for others.

The teens also got to mix with seven Latino teens who had just returned from the ACERCATE a los Aché 2009 mission trip. The ACERCATE teens spent a week amongst the Aché Indians, accompanied by Mike and Trisha Goddard and their kids, as well a Mike\’s dad, where they interacted with the Aché and learned in a practical way what\’s involved with cross cultural ministry.

Thanks for partnering with us in our ministries here!

Your fellow servant,

Randy, for all