The road to Mistolar is so unforgiving with ruts that could swallow your car along with so much dust that the mobile health clinic provided by the Ministry of Health won’t drive there. The people don’t have much in the form of transportation to get out either, a few motorcycles and a big cattle truck(and even that may have been rented for district conference.) They have a generator to produce electricity that the church donated that runs on diesel two hours a night to fill the water tank with saline water that they can use for everything but drinking. There was a desalinization processor but that has been broken for eight years now. Because of drought and not seeing any significant rain for 4 months the underground tanks are empty. It is a tough life but they smile and press on. Some moved closer to the city but were drawn back to Mistolar. For the Myers it is sacred ground were members of the church wear their temple garments even though it is 120°F with only shade for relief. Where the Saints show up for church an hour early and sit in reverence. Where the choir sings the beautiful songs of Zion in a language they don't all know (Spanish) and when you hear them sing "I'll cast on Him my every care," you know they do. It makes one think of that comment by one of the Willie and Martin handcart pioneers, "We suffered beyond anything you can imagine . . .but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism? …Everyone of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.' (David O. McKay, "Pioneer Women," Relief Society Magazine, Jan. 1948, p. 8.) Below is a picture of Chris, Sister Alleman and the Sisters of Mistolar, they are Chris's heros of faith and building Zion.
On Thursday we had bought 72 juice boxes to share with the children. It was hard to decide on something a little special but helpful and something that could make the 5 hour bumpy jouney after spending the night in the car. We left at 6:30am Friday so the store wasn't open that early. The mission leaders, the Allemans and their three youngest kids, brought crayons and coloring books and their home ward had made baby blankets to share.
President Alleman had interviews while the rest of us took pictures of each family to print as a gift for next time (the kids are facinated seeing the pictures on our phones), singing and playing Duck, Duck, Goose! We checked out how low the river was and found some jaguar tracks too.
We are just in awe of their respect for the Lord and what the do to choose the right. Before the first meeting with the leaders we saw all the men go into the bathroom to wash their hands and face. We can't explain what a humble act of respect that was.
We now know that "nom" is I have arrived and "paacum" is good-bye. We are hoping to learn more to interact with them when we return. Ken asked one of the men who does know Spanish the basics and we found out one of the elders now serving in Luque has a book!
We sat with the Mistolar sisters during the Saturday evening meetings and have been invited to visit Paraíso(Paradise) another community of indigenous saints the next time we come to the Chaco.
District conference was interesting and uplifting. Chris overcame fear and spoke Spanish with some of the sister leaders.(It's a daily struggle) We learned from Conference that keeping the commandments, going to the temple, attending seminary and institute, going on a mission and keeping the Sabbath day holy are as important in Paraguay as they are in Minnesota.
The return trip was uneventful but now the real work begins as we work with others to find a solution for water. Please keep us all in your prayers.
The return trip was uneventful but now the real work begins as we work with others to find a solution for water. Please keep us all in your prayers.
This is the last picture we see going out our door each morning. It reminds us He gave everything for us and will help us have the strength to give our all for others.
Have a great week! This week we are traveling to Pilar in the South and possibly meeting the ambassador to Taiwan and reaquainting with the Ministra de Salud (Health).
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