Sunday, August 10, 2008

A New Chapter


The world is a book, and those who do not travel,
read only a page.

- St. Augustine


I am excited to begin reading a new chapter in my Life Book! I hope you all continue to read as I learn more about Paraguay and the people here. So far my experience has been limited and yet I have seen a few new things.

Really terrible roads,

The slowest possible internet,

A wonderful corn dish called Chipa Guazu! (Have to get the recipe!)

Everyone greets me with a kiss on both cheeks!

I have already been introduced to two of my neighbors.

Almost all vehicles run on diesel and are loud

Changing money is so much easier than in Venezuela with all it's government controls.

People send a lot of text messages, rather than calling.

Horse drawn wagons are commonly found on the street.

It can be warm and chilly on the same day!

Soft drinks are called 'gaseosas'! (This makes me want to giggle as I envision a gassy lady:)

Stay tuned as I read more of this new chapter...




18 comments:

Dawn said...

When I went to Campinas, Brazil on a mission trip, we had a very negative experience in the Sao Paulo airport!

I'm so glad you're safely there, in a nice house, and close to the grands. Isn't God good?!

Brenda said...

Welcome to Paraguay! I will be there soon to greet you in person. Enjoy a coca cola gaseosa for me, I think they are the best!

Starla said...

Very interesting things that I never knew before.

MightyMom said...

good to hear from you!!

now...settle down and tell us alll about it!!

Nina in Portugal said...

Some of the things you've mentioned that you've experienced there are very similar to Portugal. Especially the kisses on both cheeks, loud, diesel cars, and chilly/warm in the same day. Pretty cool, huh....

Glad you made it...no more packing for a while, Praise the Lord!

Enjoy your family and grandbabies. You have the best of both worlds, huh?!

God Bless you as you begin this next chapter in the book of your life. I am eagerly awaiting your updates.

Thursday's Child said...

Yea! You're back! I missed you!

I love the cheek kissing thing. Here in Lebanon it's 3 kisses, in Kuwait it's 2. I have to stop and think who's kissing me because even if I'm in Kuwait, if it's a Lebanese I have to be ready for the third one. LOL

ABNPOPPA said...

Glad to see you made it safely. Rest and relax as much as you can, you have a long mission ahead of you.

G-d Bless,

CrimeSceneFairy said...

Oooh, well put, St. Augustine! xD

Anonymous said...

How fun....share the recipe!!

Also, I need a Chimichuri sauce (sans onions if possible)...

Horse drawn carriages?? Probably seems like the old and new mixed otgether!!

Is diesel the same $$ as here??

Can't wait to share your life as it unfolds on a new field!!

Blessings!!
((((hugs))))

Betty said...

And cattle drawn wagons are common too.... I´m sure you´ve seen them too. And I hear you on the internet thing! I think it´s God way of teaching us patience....
But what I like a lot about the paraguayen people is, that they are so humble and content. You will notice it soon.

Findalis said...

When you get that recipe please post it. I love trying to make new foods.

Rhonda in Chile said...

Glad to know that you´re in your new home. How´s the terere?

Unknown said...

Gaseosuas - just the word makes me giggle! Agustine just informed me that the Columbians he knows here say that as well.

The horse draw buggies reminds me of some areas of Mexico in which we have traveled. I loved your quote form St. Augustine!

Anonymous said...

Glad you made it safely!

What's the price of gas in Paraguay? When I was in México a few weeks ago, it was about $2.85 / gallon

crazy4danes said...

How fun to have a new chapter starting off so well! I look forward to reading as your new life unfolds in Paraguay! :D

Gecko said...

Lol jm, you have a few things sorted already! I'm sure you'll get to love it as you have every other place, and I sure am looking forward to reading each page of your new life chapter. Take Care.

Becky said...

That is so exciting!

It's amazing that there is all the technology of cell phone texting, and yet horse drawn wagons on the roads there.

Pilot-Pooja said...

Loads of good luck dear Jungle Mom!

Hope you have wonderful times in Paraguay!