wrapping up our time in Quyquyho

Some more reflections on our time in Quyquyho and the surrounding areas are how gracious and giving the people are and how incredibly overwhelmed and blessed they are in receiving small gifts. Last week, we went to a small villiage and we were greeted by the community who provided us with a feast as well as a wheel barrow full of fresh tangerines and other yummy fruit. This villiage has so little and they they took so much joy in providing us with these gifts. At the villiage, we had lunch with the mayor. He shared with us his heart to serve the people and provide them with education, a source of income and make sure that they are not forgotten within the larger government structure. He also shared that his father was killed as a result of his fight for the people in this forgotten community, yet he has not let this cause him to stop him from continuing on the same path of His father in fighting for social justice for the low income people. He was very appreciative of our team and stated that he wished that the people in his community would go to church and serve as we have. It is my understanding that he is not walking with the Lord but he still appears to understand the life changing power of Christ. If this mayor is already doing greatthings for his community, it is amoazing to think of what he could do if he had a relationship with Christ.


Last night was truly special. The guys on our team prepared a very special dinner for the girls. The decorated the Comedor and dressed up. I have to say, the guys on our team cleaned up really nice. Us girls helped the girls at the home do ther hair and make-up. The girls had no idea what surprise was waiting for them. The guys were waiting when we arrived back at the comedor. As gentlemen, the guys escorted the girls inside where flowers balloons and a candle-lit dinner awaited. The guys then proceeded to serve them an elegant European-style chicken dinner. The girls were crying, stating that they have never been treated that way before.   They were also given simple gifts, lotions for the older girls and candies and stickers for the younger ones. They were so thankful and proceeded to cry again. They were  grateful for such simple things.

After dinner the girls took us to their home where they put on quite the show for us. They did a choregraphed dance to a christian song in Spanish then danced several Paraguayan deances in traditional dresses. What a treat! It was so nice to see the girl show their appreciation through their talents. There were many more tears as we took lots of pictures and prepared to say gooodbye the next day. As I am writting this, I don't know how I will say goodbye to the girls in just a few hours.

I have a few more reflections about our time in Quyquyho, but I can save them for a later post, since you are probably tired of reading this by now. Chow for now.

-Leah