Despedidas: The End

I'm leaving Paraguay tomorrow. I can't believe it. I've been saying goodbye to people for about a month now, I've had about 7 despedidas (going away parties), and I'll admit, I've cried. But before getting mushy, I need to give the promised update on Nino Jesus China. We gave out all of the bags, and everyone was incredibly grateful. Here's a picture for you!

Back to my emotional roller coaster. I have made good/great/wonderful friends here in Paraguay who I've spent the last few weeks saying goodbye to. We've gone out for ice cream, slept outside in the rain, gone out to eat, talked for hours, and the time has flown by. I had my last despedida "asado" (really good barbeque)today (well, not counting tomorrow at the airport). About 18 of us went to our friend Belen's house and hung out for a few hours after church. Before we ate, Eduardo asked everyone to tell me what I've meant to them during my time here and share one deseo/desire for my life. It was one of the most special times of my entire life, as I listened to each friend talk about our time together. They encouraged me and made me feel so LOVED! More than anyone, though, I'm going to miss my best Paraguayan friend EVER, Natalia.

Even writing this is making me teary-eyed!! yikes! She has been the friend that has counseled me through difficult times, understood my intensity, grown with me spiritually and shared her little apartment with me almost every weekend. She probably won't read a word of this blog either, because the only 2 words she knows in English are "really" and "somewhere". Random, but true. But she's been God's gift to me here in Paraguay, and I'm going to miss her SOOOO MUCH!!! She's coming to the airport tomorrow to see me off, and i'll tell you right now, there are going to be some waterworks.

So this was my last post from Paraguay. I'm heading out to Ecuador in a week to learn about a ministry in Guayaquil. I'll let you know how that goes when I get back! Thank you for accompanying me throughout my year in Paraguay. I hope to continue using this blog to keep you updated on whatever happens next!