Ah!!! This week our "fall" brought a wonderful relief to the heat along with lots of rain off and on.. But it is so welcome after the stifling heat of the past, which was beyond unbearable, last Saturday and Sunday. In November when the political candidates were campaigning, the local newspaper joked that it would take a miracle to repair the roads of Lambare. It looks like it wasn't just a joke. We have some paved roads but many are of stone and/or sand. Well, with all the recent rains, the paved roads that were marred with many chuckholes have now become grand canyon-sided, continuous chuckholes. The stone and sand roads continue to wash away and many are impassable even in a 4 wheel-drive vehicle.

A few years ago, the government received enough money to put in a wonderful storm and sewer system throughout Asuncion and the many suburbs like Lambare. However, the Paraguayan officials "comen the dinero".they "ate the money or in other words, they misused the funds or lined their pockets. They did put in a storm system but used drainage pipes way too small in diameter to accommodate the rapid, heavy rains. Needless to say, with all the chuck holes and flooded roadways, homes, and stores; only two groups of citizens are pleased..those that own auto repair shops and "gomerias".tire repair businesses.both of which I visit frequently.

Last weekend was filled with meetings such the church leadership and the school commission (equivalent to a school board) meetings. Friday evening I attended a special "Noche de Cultura" sponsored by the church and part of an international training program for Paraguayan pastors. The evening was filled with the sharing of songs, dances, and skits from different parts of the world. Different countries were represented by the missionaries and Paraguayan pastors. We sang many songs in 2 or 3 different languages and "God is so God" in Spanish, Guarani, Dutch, Portuguese, German, an Indian dialect (from the country of India), English and one other language. It is awesome to bring so many brothers and sisters in the Lord together.. Just think of the fiesta that is waiting for the time when we will all be singing united in the heavenlies and none of us especially me won't be off key.

Sunday, a work team from Penn. visited our school and attended our Sunday school and church service. The group brought t-shirts and helped the Sunday school children paint on them. The children have been so excited as they explain the significance of their shirts and how Christ died for them.and the timing is perfect with Easter next week. All week throughout the barrio, I have seen children wearing their shirts.what a blessing for the children and a great testimony for our Lord.a special thanks to our friends in PA.

About three weeks ago, Felicia and I went to the three different ministerial offices to find out when our educational reports were due. We were assured we would be contacted as soon as the reports were in.when will I learn not to be so gullible? Yesterday afternoon, we got a call our reports were due this morning and also, we had a mandatory informational meeting on completing the forms today. After many computer and printing problems (that 's a whole story in itself), I finally got the reports made, copied the many multiple copies needed, and had the entire staff sign about 21 times on the different originals and copies. When we presented them to the Director, we were informed they changed where they wanted the different school stamps and our signatures. I feel like we are right back where we were a year ago.the ministerial fails to communicate and often the different directors and supervisors give conflicting information on how to complete the forms.

As for the meetings, we arrived 17 minutes late.in the past we have been on time and have waited at least 1 to 1 ½ hours for the meetings to begin. Today, it had started on time and the small room was packed with over 50 some folks plus many standing outside trying to get the details for completing the reports. We were fortunate; we were able to get seats. I had to be careful how I sat for the next four hours as I struggled with a broken wooden chair.actually so did most of the group. Those looking in the windows had to be careful because of the broken windows. Thankfully, we had a break in the hot weather because the room was warm and we could not use the fans because they were broken.

For Felicia and I this week has been a real spiritual battle in which many things gone awry from the office equipment not working; the ministerial hassles, other problems; and both struggling with fatigue and not feeling well (Felicia is battling a terrible cold and my back and neck are still bothersome but Gracias a Dios, I am doing much better.) So many exciting things are happening with the children and their families, we know Satan would like to put a damper on it. "But Greater is He that is in us, then he that is in the world". Right Jane (a dear prayer warrior in my church), we ain't praying for nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for your continued prayers for all we are doing and for God's continued help. He has risen and reigns for evermore!!! Let us rejoice!!! Blessings this Easter Season to you and your families.

Love from Paraguay,
Sue