A fine trip out

On Saturday I was just about to start attacking my domestic duties when I received an invitation from my neighbours to go out for the afternoon. How could I resist? Housework will always be there tomorrow! (or forever after.)

We made our way out of Asuncion and over THE bridge that takes the route out into the Chaco. We turned off on the road to Argentina and after some time on a dirt track road, we arrived at Chacoi. This is a very small fishing village on the river, overlooking Asuncion on the opposite bank. There are good views of the city.

The sun was very hot and we were mad Brits going out as everybody else makes for the shade and a siesta. Unfortunately a sun hat was called for! (No comments please).
We also needed liquid refreshment so I carried my Paraguayan flask with me everywhere. At least we lightened its load quite quickly.

We had a lovely time wandering around the village. I love the way that they hang their washing on barbed wire. I suppose that it saves buying clothes pegs but goodness knows what it does to the clothes.
The locals are very poor people but they are also very friendly. I found my way to a small jetty. A man asked me if I would like to go across the river. It turned out that the local fishermen run a ferry service across to the port in Asuncion.

The boys were keen to go back by boat so they and their mum hopped aboard, leaving me and Matt to  wave them off and then return home in the car.

I was then faced with doing a huge pile of ironing, with sunburnt arms.

Baby growing fast.

I went to water the plants on my patio this evening and decided to update you on my baby pineapple. It is doing incredibly well and now has quite a topping of leaves appearing. However, the "baby" itself is not growing much bigger. If you saw the size of the pot that it is in you would know why. It is very small.

Other news this week is that our Anglican foster home "Esperanza" (for children awaiting adoption), is on the move. They are moving onto the street where I live, almost opposite me. It has been "all systems go" at the new house this week as students from school, parents from school and the maintenance team from school have been in repairing and decorating ready for the children. The house is bigger than the last house and it has a lawn at the back, where the children will be able to play more safely.

Murray Metcalfe (one of the founders of the home) came over in July to redecorate the original home. Just as he was finishing they were given the news that the owner wanted the propety back for redevelopment purposes. Finding a new house very quickly and the subsequent move has been a big headache, but God is always good and faithful. This is a much more suitable property. Please remember them in your prayers as they move this weekend and settle in.

First Communion

History was made again today when I wore a dress for the first time in about six years.

Today the fourth graders took their first communion in the local Catholic parish church, so Mags, Gwen and I went along to show love and support. We arrived after the service had begun and we sneaked in as the address was taking place. The church was about half full by then. We were far from "late". The Paraguayan culture allows for tardiness and many came in long after us, filling the back of the church.

It was a lovely occasion with many extended families present. The fourth grade were all present and correct, girls in their pretty, white dresses and boys decked out in fawn trousers, white shirts and ties.

When the communion was over the parents formed a choir to sing a special song to their offspring.

Afterwards the children regaled us with cards and small gifts to mark the occasion. There was plenty of time too for meeting and chatting with ex-students, many now parents.

It is called "Cleaning the Carpark"

Today, when the boys arrived home from school, they decided to help out with cleaning the carpark and watering Hannah's little garden.

Dawning Day

This morning I had a lovely surprise as I walked to school. It was a bit chilly and cloudy (at 24 degrees celsius), but as I came to the top of the hill I was greeted by a splash of colour. Not only was a Jacaranda in bloom but a beautiful yellow Lapacho too. The Yellow Lapacho is the national tree of Paraguay. They are becoming rarer. There are many more pink Lapachos.

World Cup fever

Today I joined Babs Owen and the Hickmott family to watch the Wales v Ireland Rugby match. It was fun!

                                              (I was born a Keough.)

Felicidades!

This week the staff gathered for breakfast to celebrate the birthday of the Primary head of department.
She enjoyed the start to her day and she was serenaded by some of the male members of staff.