February 2006 Adventures

February has been a month of meetings – yes, we are Methodists!  Wherever there are 2 or 3 Methodists gathered in His name – there is a COMMITTEE! 

Ed is a member of the Ministerial Cabinet (much like an Administrative Board), and Linda is a member of the Financial Review Committee (only 3 members).  February 10^th is the date of our Asemblea Nacional (General Conference), so we were both busy in pre-Asemblea meetings.  This year we were again assigned to the Northern District with Ed as District Superintendent.  In addition, we are responsible for our water well ministry – Agua de Vida.  We also had a consecration ceremony for 2 pastors.  Kneeling on the left in the blue shirt is German from our district at Ara Pyahú.  The man kneeling in the white shirt is our good friend, Alcides.  It is always a blessing to have 2 more consecrated pastors!

February is the beginning of the school year here in Paraguay.  This also meant a change in the help we have at our home.  Sintia, who has been with us for the past 2 years, graduated from “Facultad” (which is like a junior college); and now has a degree to teach math and physics.  Since we believe working in our home should be for those who need the money for their school, we suggested Sintia relinquish the job to her younger sister.  Rebeca is now able to attend a private high school and is studying accounting.  We took the 2 of them and their brother, Isaias – our gardener, to dinner one night.  It was nice to be able to visit with them for the evening.  Left to right, Isaias, Sintia, and Rebeca.

The remainder of the month we were busy getting everything ready to begin drilling at the Sanginacue Methodist Church.  We made several trips to the area, delivering equipment and materials.  This will be our first well drilled with our new hydraulic equipment.  We are anxious to get started, and will have lots of new things to report in our March newsletter.

We are often asked to provide scholarships for students wishing to attend college.  The decision to provide a scholarship is always difficult.  We try to provide funds for 1 child at a time per pastor.  The cost is generally around $45/month.  Courses usually last for 3 years.  If any individuals, small groups, Sunday School classes, or UMW circles are interested in providing scholarship funds, please have them contact us directly.

We thought we would share a few street scenes with you this month.  Enjoy the photos we have selected!  Oh yea, we still have temperatures over 100 daily – can’t wait for fall!