Tour Leader’s Blog

Our office is buzzing with excitement as persons are making final plans to attend the Global Assembly of Mennonite World Conference in Ascuncion, Paraguay. Today we had persons waiting in line to talk with Audrey Voth Petkau as they brought in their passports for visas and discussed flights.

We have Edgar Stoesz’s books, The Garden in the Wilderness and Like a Mustard Seed on the table in our reception area. These were discussed and one person bought one to take home.

We have a few seats available on our MWC #2 and MWC #5 tours and expect, because of the number of persons calling in, that they will be full soon.

Don’t miss the trip of a lifetime to visit the Mennonites of Paraguay and worship and fellowship with the Mennonite Global family from over 60 countries. See you in Paraguay! Call or email office@tourmagination.com to join one of our groups.

~ Wilmer Martin

Our journey in Peru gave us the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu which was built by the Incas around 1430. The setting is breathtaking and mystical. As we approached the site after many hairpin curves, Ruth Sawatzky said, “Can you feel the energy?” The magnitude of the Inca buildings and terraces was mind-boggling.

Our group stayed at the beautiful Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in the rain forest. Aaron and Winnie Lehman went on the 6:00 a.m. birdwatching tour. Many in the group enjoyed the orchid tour. There are more than 500 different species of orchids at Machu Picchu. Our guide said that we are in a cloud/rain forest; however, the warm rain added to the experience. After all, last week we were in the heat and dust of the Chaco in Paraguay. Our train ride back to Cusco, with a Peruvian fashion show by the staff, was enjoyable. Walter Dyck bought a beautiful sweater.

We will arrive back in North America tomorrow. Nettie Pankratz said, “What a great tour and a wonderful group to travel with!”

~ Wilmer Martin

What a Sunday we had yesterday! The day began at Mennonitenheim in Asuncion, Paraguay, and ended in Lima, Peru. We were impressed by how much we learned during our journey in Paraguay. We visited 8 colonies and learned from the people who shared with us. Edgar Stoesz reminded us that we only have a glimpse. We are grateful for the insights we received.

We decided during our 7-hour layover in Santiago, Chile, to invite each tour member to share part of his or her life story. TourMagination emphasizes Discovery and Fellowship. By tour members sharing their stories, the bonding and fellowship of the group deepens.

As our plane approached Santiago, the Andes Mountains were beautiful on both sides of the plane. Margaret Dyck remarked how rugged and beautiful they are with snow glistening on them, and Walter Dyck pointed out an area where the Inca farmers graze their cattle and farm in the high Andes. I reminded the group that their average life span is low due to the high altitude. Irma Evenson saw the outstretched arms of Christ welcoming us as the plane approached.

During our time between planes, we enjoyed wonderful fellowship. Lloyd and Nettie Pankratz said what a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We learned so much from each other. We arrived late in Lima, grateful for safe travel. We look forward to our visit to Cusco and Machu Picchu. We will now switch our focus to the Inca story.

~ Wilmer Martin

Yesterday was a special day for Jake and Ruth Sawatzky. We visited the Neuland Colony where Jake’s 85-year-old cousin lives. Even though they never met before, their two-hour visit was special. When Jake introduced John at our noon meal, he was very emotional. He said, “I never believed we would see each other.”

In the afternoon, we visited the Menno Colony, the largest of the three colonies. They are well-organized to welcome guests and are looking forward to welcoming our 6 groups next year at the time of the Mennonite World Conference Global Assembly. We were impressed how the colonies are providing food and employment for the Latin Paraguayans. The Menno Colony is exporting meat from their processing plant to Russia, Kenya, Angola and Lebanon, as well as their neighbours.

This morning Edgar Stoesz and Ruth Mark visited 93-year-old Clara Schmidt at the seniors’ home in Filadelfia. Ruth hugged her and brought greetings from family in the U.S.

In Yalva Sanga, Gudrum Warkentin gave us a guided tour of the very inspirational program provided for the Indian people - agricultural, medical, educational and economical programs. Harp music played by second generation Mennonite Indians was enjoyed as we ate our meal under the Iwapo tree.

We now sadly leave the Chaco and return to Ascuncion. Aaron and Winifred Lehman said, The Mennonites in the Chaco have much to teach us. Their partnership with the Indians is a model.” They would respond,”God placed us here for a purpose.”

~ Wilmer Martin

Larry Miller and Ray Brubacher from the Mennonite World Conference office also stayed at Hotel Florida in Filadelfia when our group was visiting Mennonite colonies in the Chaco. It was a privilege for our group to hear them share the plans for the MWC Global Assembly to be held in Asuncion in July 2009.

Helga Dueck operates the School for the Deaf in Filadelfia in the Fernheim Colony. Our group was touched by her love, vision, and passion. Helga has only one leg, but she said, “My crutches don’t bother me; I am not disabled; I’m only different.” While Helga was speaking, one student kept interfering by making the sound of a motor. She motioned for him to stop. Then she told us that he feels the vibrations and wanted her to know the bus engine is running.

Lloyd and Nettie Pankratz were impressed with her ministry. They said, “Helga doesn’t have two legs, but she does much more than many persons with two legs.” This program is not funded by the governement or a church. Helga said, “It is supported by Christians and we have never gone hungry. God provides each day.” Our group made donations of money and of supplies we had brought with us. Dean Stoesz said that he will recommend to his family that the School of the Deaf be their Christmas charity.

~ Wilmer Martin