Tour Leader’s Blog

Yesterday we traveled by train from Cusco, which is 11,000 feet above sea level, down to Machu Picchu, which we are told is at an altitude of 6,000 feet. Fortunately, everyone in the group stayed healthy although we could tell we were at a higher altitude when we walked off the plane in Cusco. Lots of Coca Tea was consumed.

Percy, our favorite guide, met our group at the train station and guided us as we toured the Inca ruins. We enjoyed the bus ride up to the top of the mountain which included 14 switchbacks. Percy told us that the highest peak at Machu Picchu is 9,000 feet. He also told us that we are blessed by God since we were able to take our 2-hour, 30-minute walking tour in the sunshine. It only rained after the tour. Our group took the longer upper tour which provided an awesome view of the ancient Inca site. There were many expressions of awe. Allan Hiebert took many pictures. After taking a picture, he said, “Your camera cannot capture the magnitude of beauty.” Percy told us this Inca site is one of the most renowned examples of Inca architecture, surrounded by lush cloud forest.

This morning our group explored the town, shopped and took pictures of the birds and flowers. This afternoon we are enjoying the train ride back to Cusco.

On Friday we will return to our homes with many memories of our encounters with our Mennonite brothers and sisters in Paraguay and grateful for the opportunity to visit Peru and see Machu Picchu.

~ Wilmer Martin

We arrived back in Asuncion from the Chaco this evening. We have never experienced the Chaco so green. We were told that they have had more rain this year than the last 45 years since records have been recorded. All the water tanks are full and the grass is tall. We enjoyed sunny days as we toured the Neuland, Fernheim and Menno colonies.

Lois and Allen Hiebert enjoyed visiting a former student from Tabor College who lives and works with her family in Neuland. Following dinner in the Chacos Grill in the Menno Colony, Gerhard Penner and his friends entertained us with a harp, accordion and guitar ensemble. Gerhard, secretary to the Obershultz and the council, is also active in conflict resolution for the colony. This is a rather new program, and it is enjoying good success. Gerhard thanked our group for visiting. We were impressed by the tremendous growth
of the Menno Colony.

On Saturday our visit to Yalva Sanga was very stimulating. We visited the high school and sang in the class where the students were studying English. At noon we enjoyed a meal prepared in the big iron kettle and ate buns that were baked in their new bakery. They are now beginning to sell outside of the Yalva Sanga Colony. Joe Predoti enjoyed playing guitar and singing with the Indigenous people who entertained us. Edgar Stoesz never gets tired of telling the stories of the Mennonites in Paraguay. We are grateful for his energy, love and respect for their faith and work.

This morning we worshipped in the joint worship service in Filadelfia led by the Mennonite Brethren. Two times per month the Mennonite Brethren and the Conference Mennonites worship together. The singing of more than 1,000 voices was wonderful. The sermon was very stimulating as it reminded us that as members of Christ’s kingdom we need to help one another as we live in a capitalistic society. Our friend Jake who lives in Filadelfia said the sermon we heard would not have been accepted a few years ago.

Tomorrow we fly to Peru. We look forward to learning about the Incas and visiting Machu Picchu.

~ Wilmer Martin

Our time in East Paraguay went by very quickly. We were welcomed warmly by our hosts, Albert and Mary Hildebrand. Albert served as our guide during our tour to the manioc plant begun by MEDA Paraguay and MEDA International. We were impressed with the success of this program that began approximately 15 years ago and now has 3 sister plants in operation in East Paraguay. We also toured the colonies of Bergthal and Sommerfeld.

Last night we were hosted in the homes of families from the Evangelical Mennonite Church (Sommerfeld). Henry Longacre summarized the feelings of the group on our drive to Kilometer 81. We were impressed with the faith, enterpreneurship, work ethic and the way they share Christ with their Paraguayan neighbors as witnessed at Hospital KM 81 and the manioc plants. Their genuine quiet way is a wonderful example.

Jenny Hiebert was offered a job by the administrator at the new Mennonite Hospital! Fernand must have sensed her care and love for people. Mary Ellen Rohrer commented on the beautiful grounds and the friendly and caring staff at Hospital KM 81. The Mennonites see the hospital and leprosy program as a thank you to the country for its open welcome when they were searching for a home.

This evening we were warmly welcomed to Mennonitenheim in Asuncion. We need a good night’s sleep as tomorrow we will journey to the Chaco. Allen and Lois Hiebert look forward to visiting friends in Neuland Colony.

~ Wilmer Martin

The TourMagination “Explore South America” tour arrived here this morning on an 8:50 am flight. What a wonderful day to visit the falls! Our favorite guide, Celso, met us at the airport and welcomed us to Brazil. He helped to interpret Iguazu Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is at the confluence of Paraguay , Brazil and Argentina.

Urbane Byler said that it was an amazing experience. We saw incredible rainbows. The camera was not able to capture the image. Joe Predoti said, “It is so unique and all inspiring. How do I describe this to my Sunday school class? Anna commented on the magnitude of the roaring sound. The water drops 269 feet over many drops. You have to see it to feel the energy and spirit.

We enjoyed our first traditional barbeque at a family-run Churrasqueria in Iguazu Falls at noon today. Marvin said, “The next time I won’t eat so much before they start to come with the meat spires.”

Edgar gave a wonderful lecture this evening preparing us for entering Paraguay tomorrow. Tomorrow night we will be hosted by families from the Sommerfeld Colony.

Our beds are waiting and we are grateful for safe travels.

~ Wilmer Martin