Weeks Ending July 1 and July 9, 2005

Good Morning! Some things never change it seems. ..like battling with my computer, the internet server, and our school phone lines. We have been struggling to get communications in and out both locally and to the US. I spoke with a retired computer specialist while in TN about coming to the school to help with some computer issues. I was wondering if could she could meet at the airport on Tuesday. Is that enough time to get packed and here? Seriously, I would like to ask for prayer for our communication system and for Dora who plans to come to Paraguay later this year.

A HREF="../newsletter/may2005/photo11.html">So what has been happening? Well, we have been celebrating many “Quince” Birthdays in the church. What is a “Quince”…it is a 15th birthday, which is a very special event in a young person’s life…a sign that they have now reach adulthood. Often families in Latin American countries spend more on a “Quince” celebration than on a wedding. Our “Quince” weren’t that big as all the families were very poor. Two youth had theirs on the first and every year I tease that I am again having my “Quince” so we laughed that we had 3 in one day.

The children had two surprise parties for me at the school….one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. For me it was so awesome to see who many children we now serve and to think that this was just a dream when I first visited the Waltz’s six years ago this week. I have been so blessed that they asked me to help them.

Then Sunday evening, I got a phone call Chocha was ill and they needed a ride for her to the hospital. When I arrived I found Chocha wasn’t sick…her and the 40 plus Sunday School children, Sunday School staff, and some of the parents had planned a surprise birthday party for me. These children and their hugs touched me. I was presented a framed picture of all the kids.

Ivana, the young gal that came back with me has been smitten by Paraguay. Her plans were to be here for three months but God may have others for her. Please pray God will guide and direct her steps. I have been very impressed how she has jumped right in and has become involved in many activities.

These past two weeks have involved many long hours for me as we have been working on all types of ministerial reports; catching up on work and last weekend our school had a special folklore festival. All eleven of the children’s classes participated and they did an awesome job of dancing, dramas and singing. The children were absolutely stunning in their Paraguayan dresses and other outfits. Many of the parents and even grandparents helped organize and run the food and game stands and all but one of the 22 stands ran out of food or prizes by 9 PM. We can only guess how many were in attendance but we think perhaps 1400 to 1500 people. The different classes will use all the proceeds of the evening’s activities for field trips and for the Third and Fourth Grade camp. Please pray for our third and fourth graders, as they are still short about half of the funds needed for their Camping retreat in late October or early November.

The men of the church have started a sports tournament in the school playground for the children. Hundreds have come. I would like to ask for continued prayer for the funds needed for our Multipurpose Assembly and Sports Center…events like the tournament and folklore festival demonstrate even more to us the need for a large area for activities.

Also, since I have returned we have been evaluating different programs. I would like to ask for prayer for our Youth and Adult Accelerated Learning Program, which is designed to help, people complete their 7th through 9th grade studies.

At the end of July we will have 12 people receive their ninth grade certificates of completion. We would like to keep the program open through December but due to the lack of students (we have 22 enrolled) and the cost, we need approximately $250 a month to finish the year. Please pray the Lord will help us find the funds needed so these other students can finish the year.

Last week was very hot for this time of year and we saw temperatures in the mid-nineties on Saturday. Sunday night a cold front moved in and by Wednesday morning temperatures had dropped to the high thirties. That is dog-gone cold in a house with no heat and many with no windows…which is what most of our homes are like. Many people are now suffering with flu symptoms, colds, and such…some of us are also battling arthritis problems.

Today begins a two week winter vacation for the children…they won’t be sled-riding but they will be flying kites, playing soccer and for a few they will live the barrio (neighborhood) and visit families in the interior. The school will continue some programs during vacation and we will use part of the time to hopefully catch up on some work. Also, tomorrow Ivana and I will be meeting Ed and Linda Baker and a work team at the airport to help take them to Yrybucuá. We will probably be gone until Tuesday night. I always enjoy going to this are in the interior and hope to see the staff from the Susana Wesley and the Indian Schools that we are helping.

I would like to ask for continued prayers for Mable, Ellen, Ethel, and my Mom and also, I want to extend birthday wishes and prayers (some now late) to Christian, Elva, Mr. Cooley, Barbie, Ed, Pat, Mark, Mrs. Cooley, my brother Wes, Betty, Jettie, Ivanna, Nathalie, Raul, and Elbio.

May God bless you and may you have an awesome week in the Lord.

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 or Email address: mclovebrown@charter.net
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