June 26, 2010

Asunción, Paraguay

On Thursday [the 24^th] I went out to Roque Alonso and watched the Paraguay-New Zealand game. Leanne decided to stay home. Originally I thought I was going to be watching the game with a bunch of men in the Maka Centro Turistico, but when I go there Tsemheyi invited me to watch it with his family in his house. So I watched the game in their living room along with Tsiweyenki, Eva [their adopted daughter] and Tsemheyi. It was fun to cheer for the Paraguayan team together, though the game was not all that exciting. [BUT PARAGUAY QUALIFIED FOR THE NEXT ROUND!] I don’t think I had ever watched a game with any Maka ladies present. They really got in to the game too.

When I arrived at the village Tsemheyi mentioned he had talked to you, Dad. He was serious when he mentioned Gramps’ passing, but again, assured of his being in a better place with God.

I mentioned to Tsemheyi that I was thinking about going out to Quemkuket tomorrow since it had been a while since we had been there. I invited him and his wife. He seemed excited to go.

After the game I headed back to the mission.

On Friday [the 25^th] we headed out to Roque to pick up Tsemheyi and Tsiweyenki and go out to Quemkuket. As we drove in some 20 men carrying brand new red machetes [the good kind] and hoes were walking down the path towards where we were headed down by the old clinic. When we stopped they soon joined us. Apparently, they were headed to the back of the property to see about a report that a neighbor was encroaching on their property. As land squatting is a real problem here in Paraguay, they were going to make sure this wasn’t happening. It was neat to see them gathered together to do this, a common goal, kind of like their old fishing and hunting trips. They talked briefly and went on their way.

At some point Tsiweyenki gave instructions to someone to go ahead and kill a goat for an “asado” [barbecue]. The killing of the goat had been discussed and planned. It was a moment to enjoy life outside the confining “walls” of the Roque village, a moment to breath the country air and to just hang out with other Maka folk.

When we got there we sat down near the old clinic again. Folks almost immediately began to gather around. Chairs were brought just for us four. We were the guests.

Soon the situation was presented of Ramon’s health. After listening to the symptoms, Leanne began to describe what she thought the problem was and how it would probably need to be treated. Then Ramon showed up [not looking to comfortable] with a prescription from the doctor and described what the doctor had told him and what meds were going to be needed and how long he was to take them. The Maka were impressed with how Leanne had said exactly the same thing. Leanne was able to reinforce the doctor’s instructions and to encourage him to follow them carefully…or else L. I’ve censored some items from this discussion. The Maka have a way of putting things out there as they are, no shyness. We’ll just leave it at that.

Then after a while Tsemheyi, Leanne and I and a bunch of kids headed back to the back area of the property. The kids ran in and around and in front of us, teased each other, some rolled various sizes of old rubber tires, some three rocks into the “tacamares”…What a great place it was for these kids to grow up [compared to the confined and unhealthy area at Roque Alonso]! We walked passed the cemetery off to the left of the road. It was back below the last house. The weeds, shrubs, and trees were still there. One area was cleared and a barbed wire fence was erected around a spot where Mataika’s son had been buried back four or so months ago. He drowned while swimming in the Paraguayan River. He and his buddies had been drinking. He was only 18, I believe.

When we got back to Rio Negro, we met up with the men. They seemed content, as their mission had been successful. Most of the guys’ pants were wet nearly up to their waist. In following the fence line, they had had to wade through some water. I didn’t get the whole story. But it seemed the matter was settled.

On the way back Koko told of the “genetsits” and “uluts” and “p’up’u” [fish, I know, it sounds worse J]. He said fishing was good back there. We saw a white egrit fly off, white, white against the darker blue sky. Beautiful! This was the place to be, I would think. As we walked the road back towards the village, I pointed out the garbage accumulating in the weeds, along the road, garbage being thrown in a pile in the trees. I said to protect the water, the garbage needed to be disposed of more carefully. I told him of what we had seen over at the Roque village, kids playing around in a heap of garbage, looking for some treasure. Barefoot. Their kids would pay the price for not taking care of the village. Will the message be understood? Will they grasp the importance?

Arriving up near the first houses off to the left we found Tsiweyenki and a bunch of other women and children. The goat had been killed and was now roasting over an open fire. It had a ways to go yet before it was done. Back off to the side there was this pen quite full of goats of various sizes and ages and several sheep. If I understood correctly all of these animals were Tsiweyenki’s. The children were having a blast watching the animals, some reached in with some greenery hoping to feed an animal. Tsiweyenki said that she had other goats not in the pen too as there was not enough room. The couple assigned to care for the animals was expanding the pen area and making a little loafing area too.

Then we walked up to where we had parked and sat down. I don’t know exactly how many there were there, but there must have been some 20-30 adults plus the ever-present children. Someone brought Tsiweyenki some tangerines, which she shared with us. Tsemheyi asked for someone to bring some “galletas”. These were shared a ways around the circle. They disappeared quickly. And the stories started up again…some were new, others were the same. It always seems to revolve around Gene and I and hunting trips. Some time later the roasted sides of the goat were carried up and for some strange reason one was placed square in front of me. I felt a bit conspicuous. I was glad when someone brought a knife and started to cut it up into pieces and hand it around to folks around the circle. There was no stampede, no comments, no hurt looks…Still I knew everyone wanted some. Yet, the meat was a gift from Tsiweyenki and no one was going to rush in. There was an obvious chain of command. And in her own gentle caring way, she reached out to her people. What a beautiful queen! More meat was brought, some shared and some wrapped in a plastic bag to be taken back to the Tsemheyi family. Somewhere about this time Tsemheyi asked if we should go yet; if we were in a hurry to leave. I said that no, that we were fine.

Slowly the conversation flowed. Some of it was serious. Some I did not completely catch. One item of discussion was the young man who lived but a stone throw from where we were sitting. I guess he is “wetwefú” also. They imitated his actions. I guess there is alcohol involved in this. They described a recent attempt he made to hurt his mother by throwing a large stone at her [It barely missed her head.] and of carrying around a machete tucked into his belt. They seem very afraid of him. Other young men are also drinking and carousing. It was after one of these drinking parties that a young Maka man was beaten to death by a “we’ntusij” [Chulupi]. The whole story was graphically retold by a lady who was within ear-shot of it all. Tsemheyi listened to the whole thing, silently, face fallen. How it must weigh so heavy on his mind and soul! Not even out here is life free of these vice, which seem to be dragging down the youth. Only God can change the hearts of the people, young or old. And again it is clear that this can only happen with a fresh craving for and understanding of His word. I have been nudged to reread Ps. 119 of late. “How can a young man keep his way pure?...” The enemy seeks to destroy this people, to keep them as far from His word as possible. May God miraculously revive and strengthen the church, the body of believers, to walk the path by His wisdom and strength. May the Maka church be a beacon of hope to others. God is not foreign; he is not just for Sunday. He is Maka, through and through and He loves them completely…Oh, that the chains of destructive thinking and behavior be broken. May they fall in love afresh with “Intata”, God.

Finally, around 5 p.m. we headed back to Roque Alonso to drop off Tsemheyi and Tsiweyenki. It had been quite a day.

Please continue to pray for the Maka. Thank you.

Jerry

6/23/2010

Asunción, Paraguay

Several days have passed since the last time I wrote anything. I will try to get caught up now.

On Monday we were headed out to the village when we met up with Juan, Vicenta’s husband [I can’t remember his last name.] He is still working at the mission, doing yard work and maintenance. He was surprised to see us. We got talking about our family. He was especially interested in Gene and Carrie’s family. Then he started to talk about his family, his adopted Maka daughter, etc. He told of her terrible fight with lung problems and how, thanks to Dad and Mom and Gene and Carrie generosity, she had received medical help and slowly grown out of the problem. She is now married and has a baby boy. Their other two daughters are doing well too. He told some sad stories of how he had had several of his animals stolen or killed by neighboring thieves. He says he spends most of his time now working or at home with his family. He doesn’t have much time to do the gardening he used to do [like when we were working along side him]. Juan seemed to just want to talk and talk. Gene you would have loved it. He spoke in Spanish for my sake. You could tell it was not his preferred language. Every now and then he slipped in a word in Guarani. Finally, we said good-bye.

It was then afternoon. We headed out to the Roque Alonso village. Roads were wet as you can see in the pictures [see Facebook]. It sprinkled on and off. We parked at the Ulrich’s and walked in.

Due to the rain the soccer field was vacant, but there were players waiting under a tree, hoping for a chance to play. Folks were mostly indoors. But as we were walking along several women with family in tow came out. One was the woman that I believe greeted you Dad and Mom so warmly when we came two years ago. She said when everyone else didn’t want our family in the village, she and another person stood up for you. I am sorry I can’t remember her name. But she spoke of you as though you were her relatives and to be sure to greet you. Moving a bit further on…some folks were confusing us for “tulista” [their version for “tourists”]. Then Patricia’s daughter came out to greet us. She was so happy to see us. She wanted to know how you guys were. I think especially Mom though. She also introduced her family to us. Of course both the previous lady and Patricia’s daughter thought that Gene was strong and I was lazy, because Leanne and I didn’t have very many kids. They really got a kick out of our “grandkids” when we showed them the photo of Jason, Amy, Kristen and Kyle with their dogs. At our age they would have, what, great grandkids? Still, the great love they have for our family is so evident. They really want to know how Gene, Carol, Marva, Loren and Lisa are. The pictures we brought have helped tell your stories a bit.

Going down the muddy paths there beyond the field we arrived at the church, then the school, and finally Tsemheyi and Tsiweyenki’s. They were out waiting for us, wondering if we were going to come after all. They arranged chairs out in front of the store, protected from the drizzle. Tsiweyenki’s friends were there, sort of off to the side, but definitely part of the circle. It is so obvious that there is a hierarchy and Tsiweyenki is royalty. We just visited for quite awhile. I can’t remember what all was discussed. I continue to update them on Gramps. They are always saddened by the news, yet there seems to be such hope too. At some point Tsiweyenki brought out some bead-work she had been working on, using the beads you sent, Mom. She gave us each a necklace patterned off one you gave her many, many years ago, one with a little person made out of beads on it. She said that she had shared the beads with her friends, pointing to the ladies off to the side. Then she showed us some weaving, bags, bracelets, etc. The other ladies also brought some things they had ready to sell. We bought a number of items. They were delighted, saying that now they could eat, as the cold, rainy weather had made it difficult to go anywhere to sell their wares. [Reality hurts sometimes.] Then we headed back to the car.

It was now dark and walking the path a bit more difficult. We ran into a lady up towards the gate out onto the cobble-stone road. I can’t remember her name, but Leanne took a picture of her. Dad, she was wondering if you might have any photos of her family. She said something like her husband was gone now and that all the photos they had of their kids went with him [buried with him?]. I am not sure, but I think I understood that he was dead. I guess she had been up in Ciudad del Este when this happened. Anyway, I told her I would tell you about this. Maybe you could email them to Matt’s or something.

We headed home then…Insane traffic on dark, wet streets…motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic, some with NO lights front or back. We saw several motorcyclists carrying large metal propane tanks. One man [alone] was carrying one on the gas tank in front of him. The other bike had two passengers. They were carrying the tank between them. I call that suicidal! By the time we got home we had had enough of that for a while. [But again, reality.]

Yesterday, Tuesday, we did not go to the villages because of the rain over the last several days [roads would be too muddy] and because Tsemheyi and his wife were going to be busy in town. So we decided to get out of town. It was a beautiful sunny day, still quite cool though. We wanted to go out to the town where they make the Ñanduti [spider weave]. The name of the town is Itagua. Remember we haven’t been out this direction in some 24 years. We had a general idea of where we were headed, but how things had changed! The traffic and the construction had drastically changed the landmarks. But we braved it and continued east towards on the same highway that eventually would take you to Ciudad del Este and Brazil. About the time we got to San Lorenzo things started to look a bit more like old times. We especially enjoyed the open feeling of the country. Once in Itagua we went into a couple “tiendas” and bought some ñanduti. Such amazing artistry! The ladies who attended us were probably your age, Mom, so kind and attentive. I told them I remembered when it was easier to find the weavings, when shops were all over the town. Now due to the increased traffic, the highway was wider and traffic moved faster. There were less folk interested in selling the “artesania”. Many had sold their businesses, they said.

Then we headed home, hoping to stop somewhere to eat. We made one other detour to see if we could find the town famous for pottery wares, I think it is, Aregua. We headed in that direction, the road narrower and less well kept, but paved. It was fun to see an area less “modernized”. Traffic was less and you could drive slow enough to enjoy the view somewhat. We stopped to photograph a church in a small town, which overlooked a lake quite a distance away. It was a neat place. But from there we were lost. We never found the pottery and, not wanting to really get lost, we turned around and went back to the main highway and headed back to Asunción. Unfortunately we missed our turn onto Mariscal Lopez and ended up heading too far into town and MORE TRAFFIC, horrible, slow, crazy traffic. Finally, after a few good guesses we found our road and headed towards Recoleta and the grocery store. We ate there and bought groceries. By then it was fairly dark. We shot some pictures of the “catedral” there and the colors of the “albiroja” [the national soccer team] wrapped around the trees opposite the church. We arrived home safely then.J

6/20/2010

Asunción, Paraguay

Woke up with a headache. My neck was on fire. Took medicine and tried to eat something. I miss my pillow and bed. Picky bones.

I tried like crazy to watch the Paraguay-Slovakia game, but it was hopeless. If I had felt better I might have done what Beth suggested and gone to a supermarket to watch it on a big screen with a bunch of other aficionados…But I resorted to listening to it on the radio. I was in the shower when I heard the firecrackers going off and I knew we had scored the first goal. And just before we headed out the door for the village, the second batch of explosions went off. WE WON!!! 2-0. Paraguay is celebrating in the streets! You might still be able to watch video of it on the ABC Color website.

It was raining as we drove to the Roque Alonso village. We passed several vehicles with people waving Paraguayan flags from them and yelling, celebrating…And the usual “vendedores” on the streets selling flags for mostly Paraguay, but also Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. I didn’t see any Mexican flags, but I know that Mexico’s team is being followed closely too.

We drove right into the village this time and parked at Tsemheyi’s and walked over to the church. We had arrived a bit late. They were still singing. Leanne sat on the left with Tsiweyenki up front and I sat in the middle row with Queteis [Juan, who as a young man lived with us while going to school]. The numbers were down, probably because of the rain and the game. Queteis handed me a songbook. I tried to follow. My reading of Maka is weak, especially with the more formal vocabulary. But I got the general meaning. Leanne recorded some of the singing and the lyrics. Be sure to check out the video. Then a men’s singing group got up and sang two songs. Leanne recorded one of the songs. The singing was so beautiful. Then Tsemheyi got up and spoke. He welcomed us and thanked us for coming. He told the people there to not be shy in talking to us, that we were here because we were like family. There was more to that effect, but I think that sums it up. Then he began to speak of the problems in the village; one in particular seemed to really concern him. He said that around 10 guys in the village were choosing to act more like “efu’s” [wekwefu’, I think is how he put it.]. He said in all his years he had never seen this. He said, when he has tried to talk to the parents, they have gotten angry with him. He went on to describe his frustration with leading the tribe; wanting to just withdraw, quit leading in the church, quit leading the soccer association for the Maka team. He said it all came to a head about three weeks ago. I think it was about the time he was physically doing very poorly. He said he quit coming to the church services. But he said that Sunday was his first time back. And it felt good to be there again…He then went to Acts and read a portion and talked about it. I could not follow everything he said regarding this. Then he asked if I had something I wanted to say…

Of course, I did, but I was nervous. Would I say it right? I had not had a good beginning to the day. I still felt rummy. I did not feel qualified, yet…I knew that was at least part of the reason I was there. As the video shows I joked with Tsemheyi about my initial phone call to him. I asked him to translate for me lest I sound like a Chulupi again. That got a good laugh. And he was wonderful. I am glad we did it that way. First, I shared how much I was thankful for being able to there again. Then I tried to play off what I had understood him to have said…The issue mentioned earlier along with the alcoholism…That these were issues not uncommon to life back home. We too face temptations and must make right decisions based upon the Scriptures. That life is not easy and we must not give up. It is kind of like getting scored on in a soccer game. Do you just quit, give up, or do you try harder to win. These struggles are like the goals scored on us…They are challenges which can be overcome with perseverance and the application of the Scriptures and the strength of the Holy Spirit. I shared that what they faced as a church/people hurt us. It hurt because they were like family. I nearly lost it at the end. I concluded with a reference back to something Tsemheyi had said. In a church or religious meeting of some sort the pastor/leader had prayed for nearly every group present, but had neglected to pray for the Maka. It had hurt him. I said that I was sending emails back Stateside and that I was asking people to pray for them. I reassured them that there were people praying all over the States. They seemed surprised by this, but very happy. Please continue to remember to pray.

When the meeting was over, we went over and sat in front of Tsiweyenki’s store. It was protected from the rain and the wind that was blowing a bit. There we tried to call you Dad just to greet you on our new cell phone. It didn’t work. Tsiweyenki gave Leanne several incredibly beautiful woven bags, the kind Leanne has wanted for a long time. They typically use them for shopping. I think we left for home around 1 or 2 p.m. My head was starting to hurt again.

We went home then and ate. Within an hour or so my head started to feel better. We took it easy the rest of the day, taking a siesta, going for a walk around the area as it started to get dark. We walked over to our old place where we lived back in the 80’s. It looks a lot better now. Mom and Dad’s old place looked much the same, nicely kept. We walked up around the mission and back down the street where my family had lived in the 70’s. We walked by the Methodist Church near there. They had the doors open and had a worship team leading the small congregation. It was special to hear the music. God is not American. He is working here too. The Spirit understands the minds and hearts of the people and seeks to guide, to comfort…He is not frustrated. He is winning! There is hope, victory in Him! Praise God!

See you tomorrow.

Jerry

6/19/20

Asunción, Paraguay

Saturday the weather began to change, the wind picked up and the rain started to fall. Things began to cool off quickly.

I spent most of the day working on the above “epistle”. We stayed close to home except for a quick run to the grocery store up by Recoleta. It was nice to take it a bit easier.

In the evening Juan and Beth [Laven] Meza along with their two beautiful girls, Barbie and Carolinna, picked us and we went out to eat. Along the way you could see that the people were really getting ready for Sunday’s Paraguay-Slovakia game. Flags draped over cars, flying from buildings, the trees across from the Recoleta Cathedral were wrapped in red and white lights. It was very festive. We went out for “bife de lomito” sandwiches and lots of catching up.

Beth’s brother was a close friend of my older brother and Beth’s older sister and my older sisters were also friends. Loren, my brother, was in the same class as Beth. As we retold our stories, it became clear how similar we really were, the struggles, the joys…especially with reference to our bicultural-ness [It’s a word, right?], coming and going, relating to and with people both at “home” and away. And how does all that affect our own marriages and families? What residual strengths and weaknesses do we pass on to them? As Barbie and Carolinna played, I wondered at God’s grace. We too were once that age running about barefoot and carefree [relatively speaking], rather innocent of the struggles our parents faced daily. Though we experienced difficult adjustments and some painful times as we grew up, the God of our parents became more and more ours in a fresh and personal way. A common desire grew steadily to seek His direction in our lives, to honor Him.

And we said good-bye again, trusting that it will not take some 32 years to see each other again. Thanks guys, you blessed us. There is strength in fellowship.

A FEW VIDEOS TO GO WITH THE LAST SEVERAL DAYS

JUNE 19TH, 2010

6/19/2010

Asunción, Paraguay

Yesterday, we arrived at Roque Alonso around 10:30 or so. Driving into the village was a bit of a challenge. How in the world does anyone expect a tour bus to get in there? Ruts, waste water draining into the road, mud, garbage and more garbage create a massive turn-off, not to mention health hazard. Finally a Maka man helped us find the best way in and we were able to drive right up to Tsemheyi and Tsiweyenki’s house. They were expecting us. Tsiweyenki was so happy to see us, as were the other women who always seem to be there at her house. As we walked down the walkway there past their store, Tsiweyenki and the ladies were taking yerba out of a large 50-kilo bag and bagging it up in smaller, I think, ¼ kilo bags for resale. They were all apologetic about the yerba dust being all over their hands. I told them I loved the smell.

Quite quickly it was decided that only Tsemheyi would take us out to Quemkuket. After paying at the tollbooth 5,000 guaranies, about $1, you go across Puente Remanso [bridge] over the Paraguayan River [which is somewhere around 1 kilometer wide at this point], after going another mile or so, you turn southwest off the Transchaco Highway and head towards Argentina. These highways are two-way paved roads. Along the way you see the usual brick houses, some finished, some being done in stages, men working along the road and out in the fields cutting weeds with machetes and “foises” or hoeing, small garden plots with “mandioca”, brick kilns, some small factories, even a new women’s prison apparently is going in.

It took us about 15-20 minutes to get to the village. The entrance was a bit rugged, the road “gastado”, worn, but someone had made an effort to fill the ruts in a bit. Along the side of the road the ditches, we had dug for drainage years ago, were full of the dark brown water due to all the winter rains. On the right in the place where we had prepared for gardening, a “sonto” [Paraguayan man] had brought in a tractor and had worked the soil and had planted sweet potato, corn, beans and, I think, some squash too. I understand this is for the Maka’s use. I don’t know how this was arranged, cost etc. It was nice to see something going on there.

We were going to park at Eva’s place [Tsemheyi’s adopted daughter’s], but there was this large truck trying to get in behind us; being that the ditches were impassable at that point, we went ahead and drove down the road and parked off to the side of the now dilapidated clinic. The truck was bringing water to fill two of the cisterns [one towards Aso’s place, a relatively new one, and another back close to the clinic]. Apparently, the water from the well has become too salty. The water is brought in about twice a month. I’m not sure who pays for it.

As soon as we got out of the car, folks gathered around us all, shaking our hands and greeting us in Maka. Hopefully the photos will show their faces, unique, aged by time and the effects of a difficult lifestyle. Koko has lost most of his front teeth and, when he laughs [and he does a lot] or talks, he frequently covers his mouth or tries to keep his mouth closed. What a joker he is! Salinas’ kids are there still. The tall [other] Tsemheyi was not there. I guess he was out working somewhere. Escobar was in teaching school. We didn’t interrupt classes. We will have to greet him later. The man, who has a son in medical school in Cuba, told us his son would be taking a final exam in July. If he passes he has one more year there. Guess he is doing better now, not so homesick. He tells his dad that he is different now. He left a boy and will come back old(er). Wait ‘til he deals with the cultural changes! Hopefully, he will stay close by to help his own people and to give them hope that they too could become a doctor, lawyer, dentist…The other son who was in nursing is now studying education. He is planning on becoming a teacher. Another guy who was at the school said that he had been there now for 14 years as a teacher. He is studying computers, how to fix them and will soon be starting computer programming…Wow! Times have indeed changed! From the “campo” to programming computers, how amazing!

We were given a tour from the last houses toward the back up to Aso’s old place. Aso still has not returned from Ciudad del Este. I think we were told at some point that it has to do with issues between his wife and someone else at the village. I guess Tsemheyi called Ciudad del Este and told them we might be by sometime [when we go see Bjarne]. The old houses were, well, old. One guy in great humor asked if I was going to help him fix his house up. I commented on how horrible his carpenter was [me]. Just for the fun of it, Leanne took a picture of me trying to open one my old sliding wood windows. I think it needed some grease or something, because it didn’t slide too well. Of course, as we walked about there were kids everywhere and folks continued to come out of their houses to greet us. As at the other village, at first they thought we were “turistas” [tourists] until they recognized us or heard who we were.

Then we gathered around under the shade of a tree, Tsemheyi, Leanne and I sitting on chairs, the others just standing or sitting on the ground. And we went into story-telling mode. The story of my first phone call to Tsemheyi was brought up again, but this time he added something new. He said I asked in Spanish if his son-in-law still had a “carro” [car] and if he could come pick us up. Well, I discovered that in his dictionary that means wheelbarrow. [Apparently some Spanish words used commonly by Mexicans do not mean the same to Paraguayans. I mean I did know this, but not specifically in this case.] That got lots of laughs, as you can imagine! Then the hunting stories were brought out, with more gusto than ever. How they love to laugh and tease. Koko was constantly joking. Like saying that he was going to invite himself over for “pollo” [chicken] at our place. [A little history here. Koko used to work a bit for us when we lived here and would eat with us at meal time. Leanne would bake a chicken and put the whole thing on the table. Well, in a Maka’s book, if there is food, you eat it. So Koko always made sure the chicken was completely deboned by the time he had left the table.]

Then there were again the serious conversations. One topic was the changing of the Maka language; how the youth did not speak Maka quite the same anymore. Tsemheyi brought up the issue of the translation of the N.T. and the frustrations of the new language being used. I knew this was a touchy subject. I listened as they retold the stories. I asked them if Aso and Tsemheyi [when they came to the U.S. back in the ‘80’s] had visited the Indians in Yakima. They said they had. Someone then asked if the Indians there still spoke their language. I said very few did. At one point I whispered to Leanne how I wished that Dad was there to hear this. I mentioned at some point how that a person’s language is so important in preserving one’s culture, one’s identity and gave examples of students in my school. How confusion comes from not identifying with any culture, not speaking any language well. But I listened mostly…This was certainly a rehash of a topic long discussed starting back even before the trip Stateside when decisions were made on where to live if the Indians would move from the original island across from Jardin Botanico. Choices have been made which have complicated life for the Maka, to live at a convenient distance from town so as to more easily go sell their “artesanía” [weavings, bows & arrows, etc.] and to have electricity and running water. Town has come closer and closer to the Roque Alonso village. They have Paraguayan neighbors on all sides. Drugs, alcohol, prostitution and other vices are a temptation away. Far too many are being sucked into their grip. How will the leaders guide their people? How will the Gospel give the people hope, courage to go beyond the expectations of past generations and of mainstream society?

The Maka need our prayers. The Ulriches need our prayers as they continue the translation of the N.T. and the Maka church leaders need our prayers as they seek to teach and guide their people in these troubled times.

I’m not sure exactly what time it was but Tsemheyi finally suggested we return to Roque Alonso. There we joined Tsiweyenki in the patio of their place. We showed her and the other ladies and children who joined us there the photo album of our families. Leanne then gave her the album she made of our last trip here. They all really liked the pictures. And we gave her the package and card from Mom and the money we had gathered from donations given towards the church, the sports [soccer] program for the youth and the school. We explained how folks had given towards these programs [when they had “bought” the woven bracelets]. Leanne made sure that how the money was spent was really up to Tsiweyenki as she had done the weaving and could be trusted. Tsiweyenki was very appreciative.

We left there around 5 p.m. We had a dinner engagement with Penny and JuanJo DaSilva [old friends from our time here] at 7:00 p.m. in town.

This would be my first driving experience downtown in many years. I called for directions, but…It was dark and the street signs were, well hidden. And so Leanne and I took the “scenic route” around and around the general area, but lost, feeling all the while that the next set of headlights in the rearview mirror was going to become imbedded in our small car. Well, the proverbial male-asks-for-directions-and-finds-place more quickly worked again. We were only ½ hour late. JuanJo and Penny served a wonderful collection of their great food from their restaurant [Cherry’s] and we got caught up on our families. It was such a blessing to reconnect. Again, we are reminded of the amazing role that people play in our lives and, so often, we are unaware, just enjoying each other’s company. Thanks for the great time Juanjo and Penny! The trip home was uneventful and much “shorter” J

Thanks again for following our footsteps and for praying for us. We REALLY appreciate it!

Jerry and Leanne

For some crazy reason I am having trouble wrapping the text around photos, so I am going to ask that you go to our Facebook where I will put photos. I will try to put some text to correlate the text with the photos. Sorry.

6/17/2010

Asunción, Paraguay

Today we tried to call the village to see if someone could come pick us up. It was my first try at talking Maka to Tsemheyi,

also known as Andres, after two years of being away. Oh man, it felt awkward. I'll mention later who Andres thought it was who was calling. It is kind of funny. Ok, it was really funny, especially when he tells the story, several times, so that all comers hear. Anyway, it didn't look like anyone could come pick us up. I asked about the buses,which go by there. After I hung up, we talked about it, our options...

We really did not want the hassle of the buses, waiting, bouncing, bouncing, ETC [like last time]. So we decided to rent a vehicle. Doing this was a first for us down here. Always wondering, will I survive the traffic? If an accident happens, what then? Do I have full coverage, ETC? With fear and trepidation we pulled out of FAST Auto Rental [Actually today it was kind of slow, but they were very nice.] and headed back to the mission guest house and, after lunch, out to the Roque Alonso Indian village. Along the way I got a refresher on using a stick-shift and how to maneuver in and around traffic here. Leanne was white-knuckled and a bit wide-eyed for a while. We took some pictures along the way.

We went over to the Ulrich’s, which is about 2 maybe 3 blocks from the village. It was good to see them again and to get shown the work they are doing on the translation of the New Testament into Maka. There were three, maybe four, computer screens on, one with different English Bible commentaries available, another with the Greek, another with the Spanish and another with the Maka translation being completed on the book of Luke. A young Maka man was working there side by side with Matt. Apparently, they are getting close to the completion of the N.T. but every time they get close, the Maka translators are pulled away for this or that reason, unexplained illnesses or experiences. It would appear the enemy is hell-bent on stopping this. Pray for their health and protection.

We parked the car at the Ulrich’s to lessen the drama of our arrival. We wanted to just walk in as we did several years ago. The funny thing was we were not expected yet. Apparently they did not understand that we were to arrive in June.

As we walked into the area around the church building, Milaño, Servin, and others, were playing the stick game, almost as if they hadn't moved since we left two years ago. No women were in sight. Tsiweyenki, Tsemheyi’s wife, was out at the airport selling her “artesanía” and would be back later on in the evening. Tsemheyi at first was at his house eating lunch. So Leanne and I joined a group of men off to the side. They were there drinking “terere” [yerba mate] and listening to the Mexico-France game. We passed around our little photo album of the Cole extended family. They chuckled about this person then another. Comments were made about each of us kids and our kids. They wanted to know who our kids were and who was married and if they had kids or not.

Then Tsemheyi joined us. It was good to see him. He seemed in good health, though he said he had been ill several weeks ago. Rosemary told Leanne that she thought he had had several strokes. He told me that he had kind of lost his vision; that everything became blurry. He said now he could see much better.

Now to get back to the phone conversation I had with Tsemheyi…He was having fun playing this up as he told the guys who had gathered under the “galpón” next to where the men play that game with the sticks. Anyway, he chuckled saying that he thought he was talking to some “Chulupi” Indian, because he couldn’t speak Maka very well…He said he couldn’t figure out who the guy was he was talking to. I’m not sure if he put it all together until we showed up there, that I was this “Chulupi” guy. Of course this got everyone laughing! You really have to be here to fully understand the Maka sense of humor.

Continuing on with this theme…Some of the old hunting trip stories just had to be retold too. About Gene and Koko on one trip. I guess Koko’s flatulence drove Gene out of the mosquito net or something. Of course the sound effects are good to throw in too. There was one about me too. I guess they set me up to shoot these “ejie” [not sure how to spell that], a large stork, probably a 5-6’ wing-span. Anyway we were wearing the typical blinds made of bushes tied together over our heads to ambush the birds. Anyway the setting was perfect. Tsemheyi told me to shoot so I did, or actually I tried to, but the shell did not fire. So I guess I got frustrated and took off my camoflage attire and the birds flew away, much to their chagrin. And of course, the story of the sawed off shotgun shell had to resurface too. How he loves to tell this story! He said I asked him for some matches and that I proceeded to place the lighted match on top of the gunpowder. Under normal conditions gunpowder does not blow up. It just burns. Except that I forgot the primer! Well, the thing just blew up in my face. I was leaning over it, like any semi-intelligent kid would do. Oh, the gusto he employed telling how he heard the explosion and rushed to find me quite shaken up, hair burned on my face and head and asking him NOT to tell my Dad and Mom. Honestly, it is not that he would have loved to see me self-destruct. He was very concerned. He felt he had to take care of me…It is just that it was so funny! If you ever wonder why I laugh when culturally I shouldn’t, maybe this is why. Or maybe it is the after-effect of the explosion still. J

We had some serious conversation too…Folks who had died for this or that reason. Lisa, my sister’s father’s passing, several Indians who had died while trying to cross the busy highway not too far from here. And story after story of young men who had or were wasting their lives away under the tragic influence of alcohol. What a waste! Some gifted athletes, others with great leadership skills. The pain was heavy upon Tsemheyi. He spoke of some who have put the blame on him. That it was his fault. He said it was not his fault; that it was each person’s responsibility to make the right choices. How it hurts to see the lack of an apparent hope, a reason to make those right choices. What drives so many of the youth to take the shortcut to relief, a moment of pleasure? Change is needed. A reason, courage…Father, if I get the chance again give the words to say that might turn the light on in their hearts and minds. May I somehow create anew some hope, that in you there is strength to resist the temptations, to choose wisdom over convenience, to strive to create a future for their families and to reach out beyond to bring hope to still others with the message of the Gospel.

Around us were children playing, some with smudged faces, dirty from the last “dulce” or “meal”, others very clean and nicely dressed. Five or six were having a blast with a homemade kite.

One ran ahead pulling it while the others tried to catch the tail as it dipped down.Of course, there were those close by listening and enjoying the pictures and the adult talk. I was struck again with what will their futures be? Without a miracle it seems so dismal. God, please work mightily in these wonderful people to bring hope and a future of strength. May they instead be a model of your grace to all the surrounding Indian groups and local Paraguayans.

Well, got to go for now. We are headed out to the village. We are hoping to take Tsemheyi and Tsiweyenki out to the Quemkuket village across the river. Talk more later. Jerry

6/15/2010

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Good morning all!

We touched down here at 11:00 a.m. Brazil time, flight time 11 ½ hours from Los Angeles. God blessed us with an empty seat between us on this flight. It made stretching out a bit easier. I have to give a short plug for Korean Air. They are wonderful! The people and the plane were so nice. B u t we still didn’t sleep too well. We both tossed and twisted and straightened…There are just so many ways you can position yourself in the span of 11 ½ hours before things start falling asleep. But we are here safe and sound. We have a short wait and we’ll be boarding our plane for Asuncion, Paraguay.

I am struck with how big our world is, such diversity of cultures and languages as I watch and listen to the people around me. Each person is so unique, yet similar too, common struggles, fears, needs, joys. In L.A. a lady dressed in Arab apparel in beautiful English spoke to me as I turned on my laptop and connected to the WiFi to watch Paraguay play Italy. She wanted to know who was playing, the score and who had won the earlier game. A common interest. We connected. So often the differences turn us away and rob us of new interesting experiences and friendships. It is too much work, inconvenient. May God help me to look through his eyes, to see his creation, loved and known intimately by Him. When language and cultural differences seem at an impasse, may his love bridge the gap between us through a smile, a touch, a warm effort to communicate using alternate means, nonverbal.

What fun to have time to think, about something different. May this time revive in us areas of our lives which have become a bit calloused with the routine and pace of life back in Yakima.

More later, Jerry

Oh, yes! Paraguay tied with Italy 1-1. Playing in a downpour, Paraguay went ahead 1-0 in the first half. Italy tied in the 63^rd minute. This result while unfortunate is not really too depressing when considering Italy’s success rate in World Cup competition. Hey! And what about that tie the U.S. got against England! Way to go U.S.! A clumsy goal is still a goal! J

6/15/2010

Asuncion, Paraguay

We arrived safe and sound, well, besides a severe case of TB [not tuberculosis either!]. Ray and Marian picked us up at the airport. Thank you so much for your kindness! So good to see both of you again!

God watched over our suitcases and nothing was lost. They traveled unlocked the whole way, all 6,500 or so miles. A “maletero” helped guide them through the “aduana”. I learned what was expected for the help a little later. Later, we agreed on a little less. I explained I was a bit out of touch with what was expected. I told him I wanted to be fair to him and thanked him for his help. There were many items in our “maletas” which someone would have loved to borrow along the way. Things requested by friends here. So we are most thankful for the blessing!

Somewhere in route to Asuncion it was made public that Brazil was beating N. Korea 2-0. A cheer erupted from the Brazil aficionados on board. Don’t know yet what the final score was.

It was funny how conversations started along the way…As we waited in Sao Paulo a rather distinguished man named Jeff and his adopted Paraguayan son Carlos came by and we started to talk. They were on their way back to Paraguay to introduce 18 year old Carlos to his native country…Jeff told us about his life. He was very educated. Taught speech at a junior college back east. He had lived in Paraguay and in Columbia. He spoke of contacts he had made with missionaries, not all good. He mentioned the movie The Mission, again with reference to the activities of missionaries with the native Guarani folk. I told him of our family’s work with the Maka. The fact that Dad and Mom had taught them to read and write in Spanish and Maka [after developing the alphabet, etc] seemed to impress him. What a coincidence that we would meet and talk to him..Hmmm…

Battery is about dead. “Más mañana.”

Figured out how to recharge. Wanted to be careful with plugging my computer into 220.

As folk were disembarking in Ciudad del Este [We had a brief stop there in route to Asuncion.], a young Caucasian man wearing cowboy boots heard us talking to a Paraguayan lady next to us. He spoke to us in English. Come to find out he knew the Fostervolds [Missionaries who for years have worked with the Ache Indians], that someone he knew had accompanied or traveled with Bjarne’s mother back to the U.S. recently. We told him we were going to be spending some time with Bjarne and his family; that they were friends of ours. All the while the young lady listened. We had a nice talk on the final leg to Asuncion. She seemed amused that these very gringo-looking people were headed down to visit friends, not all belonging to the “alta sociedad”.

The Greens took us to the New Tribes Mission’s guest house. We were warmly welcome there by Laurie. Laurie had also been an MK [missionary’s kid] in Paraguay when I was still here living with my family. It was fun to exchange stories of our subsequent lives, our kids and their whereabouts. It may begin to sound redundant in this story, but I feel such a bond with these fellow MK’s. We have lived such unique lives, crossing cultural barriers both abroad and back in the States. Similar struggles have challenged our belief system. Our parents’ faith has become really ours. The gifts God has molded in us have become clearer and blessed. The messiness of our comings and goings, leaving friends behind and making new ones, feeling a bit a foreigner no matter where we are…really has not been accidental. What a wonder to see how God has been above it all, lovingly guiding the uneven, scary steps. Not taken by surprise by any of it. While it has not been easy, I would not trade any of it. Won’t it be fun to see the completed puzzle some day?

We walked a long 7 blocks on slippery cobble stones and tile sidewalks (each house or shop putting in a different kind of “sidewalk”) to a supermarket. We bought mondioca, milanesa, duche de leche, media lunas, mermelada de guayaba, dulce de batata, co-op white cheese, lomito, polio, chipa…We ate at the café at the supermarket, three different kinds of empanadas, mandioca…and, of course, Jerry had quarana. We made it back to our room carrying four heavy bags before it started raining again. We both worked up a sweat. Jerry is now zonked out on the bed, sleeping off his sleepless-on-the-plane night.

We have a nice 2 room place. Simple and clean. We have our own bathroom with hot water both in the shower and our kitchenet (that’s a big thing for you Americans). We have ceiling fans and screens on the windows and doors. You can tell Americans put this together. We have a washer and dryer available to us just across the patio. Leanne

We have not yet purchased a cell phone. We will get that taken care of tomorrow. We have spent today trying to recoup our energy. We are planning to go out to the Roque Alonso Indian village in the morning. It will be fun to see them again!

Thank you for your prayers!

Jerry and Leanne

Well, I finished school on Friday. When everything was turned in and I was heading for home, I kept thinking they were going to call me back to tell me I needed to do this or that. And I had this horrible feeling I was NOT done yet. Horrible feeling! But I made it home without anyone turning me around.

Saturday was Kristen's graduation from Central Washington University with a bachelors degree in fine arts. And it was an absolutely gorgeous day. We are so proud of Kristen! May God continue to guide your brush Kristen.

Well, we head to Seatac Airport at 7:00a.m. Our flight leaves at 1:00p.m. We should arrive in Asuncion Tomorrow at about 5:00 p.m. Please pray for us to make all our connecting flights and good health. Thanks.

Go Paraguay! Beat Italy today in South Africa!