January 17, 2005

Hi! I'm back. We left late last Monday afternoon after the electrical problem in my car got fixed. We had a "hot" time in the Ayolas, a town located on the Paraná River on the southern border of Paraguay. How hot? I don't know the exact temperatures but everyone I was with got fried on the beach even in the shade except for me. In the heat of day between 10:30AM to 4 PM, I retreated to the shadiest area and used lots of sunscreen. I would dash to the river every 15 minutes, jump in to cool off and I got right back out. In the other hours I was like a fish living in the water. We stayed at a friend's home where the nights provided practically no relief, as there was not a breeze to be had. Everyone said we were having an unusual hot spell. I am so thankful I wasn't in the Asuncion area with all the buildings and cement. However, we all had a good time and I had time to relax, read, swim, and spend time with Pastor Andres, Felicia, their girls and one of the teachers from the school, Raquel

I find the Ayolas (a single town with a name that is plural) to be both inviting and sad. Why? In 1958 the Argentinean and Paraguayan governments (then under the dictatorship of Stroessner) began planning to build Yacyreta, one of the world's premier dams. As part of the dam project thousands of homes were built to house the 3800 workers and their families and other "service" personnel. Approximately half of these homes and several large dormitory complexes with dining halls were in the town of Ayolas just south of the dam site.

The town planners thought of almost everything. The city is absolutely beautiful. Wonderful septic and sewage drainage; parks and plazas every two or three blocks; paved or bricked streets...many in the avenue format; sidewalks and walking paths; schools; government services; a large theatre area; an airport that can handle small and medium-sized planes; supermarkets; soccer areas; and several swimming pools including one the few Olympics size pools in all of Paraguay. Most of the homes are from the same architectural sketch of two bathrooms, three bedrooms; dining room/living room; kitchen; washroom; and space designed to be either a sun porch or a garage. These homes are more on the lines of American homes then Paraguayan homes. During the dam construction thousands flooded to the Ayolas and were able to live for just the cost of their food. The government provided housing for all the workers and electric, water, and trash services for all. As long as the person maintained the key they have the right to the home.

The sad part of the Ayolas now is the dam construction is finished; the dam commission employs only 300 people. There were no plans as to what to do with the towns people or their homes once the project ended. Some in the community still have jobs as maintenance workers, store clerks, hospital or government workers. The unemployment and lack of possible jobs have left hundreds of homes vacant. During the week I found myself alternating between praying and asking God what could be done to revive this town and trying to think of possible new employment for this community to fill the need of the thousands of people homeless throughout Paraguay.

My mind raced with potential ideas for this city. With the number of Americans retiring each year this would be a great economic alternate to retiring in Florida. That would create a new for restaurants, medical services, and supermarkets. Plus I thought about how Paraguay lacks industries. If someone were looking for a place to establish a factory, this would be a great location because housing is already available and the unemployment in Paraguay is so high. Products could be shipped by river, by air, or by land. It would be a wonderful place to establish a university with all the dormitories. Currently there are three evangelical churches in the area and maybe they could help with the groundwork of re-development for this town sitting idle. I began to get excited about all the possibilities, but then I had to face reality. Felicia always teases me about being the Mother Theresa of Paraguay and I realize although this would be an exciting challenge I need to keep my focus on education. But I can pray that God will send a modern day "Nehemiah" to help rebuild this city and that it could be filled with believers.

Friday we left the Ayolas after lunch and went to the church camp about halfway to Asuncion. We ran to the market for some vegetables. Upon leaving my car refused to start so we then had to "push start" it several times by popping the clutch and the accelerator. Saturday morning Andres, Felicia, and two of their girls left at 5 AM. Perla, Raquel, and I slept a little longer and then cleaned up everything. While leaving the camp in the midst of terrible rain and windstorm my battery was not recharging and we were slowly losing energy. We managed to get the car into an electrical mechanic. He predicted he needed an hour to fix it. Then the time was increased to 1 ½ hours, then 2, then 2 ½; then "en seguida" (immediately, right away); then "un rato más" ( a short while)...the time stretched to over 7 hours.

Although we were tired of waiting we were so thankful to have gotten the car to the shop in the midst of the storm and to have the problem finally fixed and on our way. We were not more then 25 minutes on the road when the battery, oil, and brake light came on again...it is one of the same problem I have been battling for over 14 months. Since it was already after 6 PM we figured our best bet was to try and make it home because the electrical shop would already be closed. Thankfully we did before the battery died. My car now sits in my drive as I am praying for direction as to where to take it. This particular problem has already been seen by 8 or 9 different mechanics. I was joking with the girls while waiting I already know most of the mechanics in Paraguay...especially on the routes we were traveling as my car has broken down many times on that particular route. I am so thankful the Lord always gets us home often late but always safe. Please pray that the Lord would guide me as to what to do with my car.

One of the books I am currently reading talks about the nature of God, suffering, and our daily struggles. It shares how we can keep God in perspective when we remember that no matter what happens; He can enable that situation to work for our good and His glory. When bad, tragic or awful things happen it is often hard to keep that in perspective but we need to remember God is all loving, all knowing and all-powerful. So often in my life when in the midst of a storm I have forgotten that truth. However yesterday in the midst of the storm I sensed and believed God for His protection and provision and He did.

Also, during our vacation, I had the opportunity to share with a lady who was bitter towards her brother, his family and his faith. She called him a liar and almost the entire time all she wanted to talk about was what he did that was wrong. I had the opportunity to share no Christian is perfect and that our goal is to strive to be more Christ-like but that we are all sinners. We talked several times and she listened but her heart was so bitter that she could not really hear. I would ask that you pray for Marti.

I have several other prayer and praise requests.

• I mentioned my mother has a tumor. Please pray that she would have peace during this time and that the Lord would direct and guide the doctors as they try to schedule this surgery due to Mom's many health issues.
• Please pray for Pastor Andres. He has a swollen sore on his arm that seems to be resistant to antibiotics.
• This week we officially begin the 2005 School year with part of the administrative team...our fifth year of operation!!! Friday we have a meeting with all the staff; an in-service 2 days the following week and then the teachers and assistants begin the first of February. We have several new staff: Natalie (fourth grade teacher); a new coordinator, Naomi, with many years of classroom and administrative experience; a new part-time assistant, Eva who studied to be a teacher years ago but never completed her studies. She plans to study this year. Also, we have another Natalie who will help a few hours a day in the office as she begins her studies.

My prayer for you is that this year you and your family will draw near to God and that you will have a personal relationship with our gracious Heavenly Father.

Love,
Sue

Mailing address:
Sue Givens
C.C. No. 24078
Lambaré, Paraguay, 2420

Check out our web page that is on the web. Every few weeks, we will be posting to new pictures of the school progress and of our various programs and activities. http://paraguaynewhorizons.lam.org/

We are partnering and assisting the local Paraguayan churches in all we are doing in Paraguay. Friends and churches that are praying for God to work through us are making this Paraguay Outreach possible. All of our programs are made possible by donations that we use to cover different expenses.

Tax-deductible donations can be made to help cover my living expenses, my auto which is used for the church and the school, newsletters, and for helping with other mission expenses such as buying food, medicine, clothing, or helping in other ways can be sent to either and need to be specifically earmarked:

Latin America Mission
Earmarked on an attached piece of paper for:
The Paraguayan Outreach/Sue Givens
P.O. Box 52-7900
Miami Florida 33152-7900

High Mill Church of the Resurrection
Earmarked for: The Paraguayan Outreach
1920 Schneider St. NE
North Canton, Ohio 44721

If you would like to help our school or sponsor a child for 2005, please contact Mable Love Brown 865-984-4111. It costs $30.00 a month or to make donations to our school new multipurpose building construction fund, please contact:

Samaritan Hands Paraguay School
% Fairview United Methodist Church
2508 Old Niles Ferry Rd.
Maryville, TN 37803