So since before coming here to Paraguay, and since getting here, there hasn´t been a day that I haven´t wondered or asked God why he brought me to this country, and I think I may finally have an answer.
A friend and I were sitting in Pizza Hut on Saturday afternoon talking about everything under the sun. She is a teacher here, but is from Whales, so she understands what I am going through, and all the cultural differences and struggles I have encountered. She once told me that a friend told her that God only brings the stong to Paraguay because it is a hard country to live in - which is so true. She also told me that he brings the independent and strong willed to show them that we really do need to rely on God everyday. I am a very strong willed and independent person, and I have to admit that when I was living at home I didn´t really need to rely on anyone for much. I could basically go where I wanted, when I wanted, do what I wanted and not have to worry about much. I could communicate with everyone around me with ease, and never thought about how others might feel coming new into my town, church or school. I went to church every Sunday, said my prayers before eating, and was baptized at 16, but never truly lived out my faith to the fullest. You could almost have called me a hypocrite Christian. Well apparently God decided it was time for me to get a reality check, and decided it was time I began relying on him.
Since coming here I have relied on God every minute of everyday. Some mornings its a struggle for me to get out of bed because I know I am going to have to speak spanish - all day, when that happens I just ask for the courage and wisdom to get through it. On the days when I have so much homesickness I just want to get on the next plane home I ask for a hug from God and I always get one. The other day I was going to work with a friend and had to walk up a fairly large hill, and it was quite warm out already. I was in an area that buses don´t go through very often and figured my chances of getting one was slim. I started walking and said a quick prayer asking for a bus. After I said it I turned around and there was the bus I wanted. In Canada I would have thought I got lucky. Here in Paraguay I thanked God so much for answering my prayer. It´s little things like that, that are bringing me back to God. Even seeing a firefly the other night and thinking how great is our God that he created something so cool as a glowing bug.
I hope that all made a little bit of sense!!
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It makes great sense...and guess what...you might find that there are several reasons God brought you to Paragauy, some of them you will realize now and some you will realize a year from now.
ReplyDeletewow, that was really encouraging and inspiring to read. I'm so glad that you're growing so much.
ReplyDeleteaaaaa i like it...i dont want to leave a nonsense comment but i think its too late. but yes i like this blog post, it definitely makes sense
ReplyDeletepreach it sister! love ya :)
ReplyDeleteI must say that I was born and raised in Paraguay and although somehow is true what you say, I don't think that we are such a God-forsaken country as you're picturing here. There's a lot of things, good and beautiful things about Paraguay that you would never see if you just go eat at "Pizza Hut". Maybe if you sat down and really open your heart to people, try to understand how they feel and how everybody acts as they do, you would try next time not to show the world that this country is more or less better of outside the map.
ReplyDeleteOf course Paraguay is not as well educated as people from wherever you're from, but instead of complaining about your bus arriving by miracle, you should really think that you're there for a reason, and I don't think taht reason is complaining about the country.
For a religious person I don't see too much compassion or criteria in your writing.
as a paraguayan, i found this blog entry terribly irritating.
ReplyDeleteas you needed that bus on a warm day, and got it by "divine intervention", many children in that very same country walked long distances to get to school, lots of time on an empty stomach. lots of people didn't have running water, or healthcare, or a plate of hot food, or clothes or shoes.
for a religious person such as yourself, to see the harsh realities in paraguay and come away writing this "me me me" blog entry... only goes to show what a sheltered life you've had and how little you've learned from coming to paraguay. next time you're in discomfort, or struggling, as you say, look at your neighbour, and see what you can do to alleviate them. that would probably be a better guess at why God sent you here.
way to go Mo! i totally agree with you.. such a superficial post, so selfish and empty. Such a shame for your culture, really..
ReplyDeleteEstoy seguro que Dios habla guarani antes que la lengua Española o Inglesa, sera por eso que te a enviado a Paraguay, para que entiendas que vives en una burbuja como muchos jovenes que creen que nacer en el primer mundo es una virtud cuando realmente es un problema. Las diferencias sociales o espirituales nacieron en el primer mundo y tu lo estas esparciendo con devocion como un alma alimentada por el diablo.
ReplyDeleteEspero que tu estadia en Paraguay sirva en lo posible para que entiendas que el camino al cielo empieza por el sacrificio hacia los demas y no el de uno mismo con ideas mundanas.
-The dream of a few can be the bane of many people...
Sorry ... someone speaks Spanish?
Ruth's need help
No worries!!! Ruth doesnt need help to speak Spanish. What she needs is more people who can keep swearing on what she had said. Such an ignorant and bloody idiot you are Ruth. How dare you could speak like that to my country?! I dont think GOD has taught you to have this sort of mentality. I dont know who you are or where the hell you come from and you dont know me either. I completely agree on what the people above have said to you and hope u make a thorough examination of your conscience about your GREAT and suffering adventure here in Py. I have always complained about my country but you have gone too far. I do not consider you are religious at all and I am glad you have suffered the heat and waited for the bus to catch because I assume you are sent by God to suffer on earth, arent you? . I see you've got such a bad attitude and no humility. SHAME ON YOU RUTH!!! and quite frankly, your blog's a mindless escapism!!! go home, Ruth!! Why are you here for? Go home instead! nde gringa mbae tavy!
ReplyDeleteim sorry if i offended you, but i just write what is on my heart! God Bless
ReplyDeleteYou know Ruth, usually when God sends people down to really hot and harsh places, he's not testing you. He's showing you your grades. God bless you too.
ReplyDeleteMierda, el tipo de pusilánimes personajes q crea el 1er mundo... "ohh, me di vuelta y dios envió el colectivo q esperaba antes de q el calor deshidratara mi ya débil cerebrito...".
ReplyDeleteOtra gilada:"Oh diosito, dame fuerza para poder hablar español TODO EL DÍA...", si querés hablar solo dos horas al día, volvete a Canada y hacete preparar en un Instituto de Español.
Decí vos q no son todos así, sino los del 3er mundo serían ellos...