Tour Leader’s Blog

The group made it to Budapest today. We enjoyed the spectacular scenery of Transylvania. The last few days have been full. On Sunday we attended the Philadelphia Evangelical Church where they were celebrating Orthodox Easter. Ed brought greetings on behalf of the seven churches represented by the group. There were several sermons and spontaneous prayer.

On Monday we heard the amazing history of CAPA and its contribution to the business development of Romania. Dale Beachey brought greetings to CAPA from the MEDA Board. Transylvania - actually all of Romania - is emerging into an economic powerhouse. It’s exciting to witness this first hand.

~ Ed Epp

Today we visited CAPA microfinance work in Iasi. This was the MFI that MEDA helped start. From modest beginnings the Iasi office are now very successful with over 20 million dollars in loans! We visited one client who made glass windows and furniture tops. His business grew by 400 percent last year. He now hires 12 people. We witnessed the global economy at work with Abe Fehr from Leamington making a potential contact to source specialized glass from him at prices much lower then those Abe had from Germany. We had a late lunch with the Capa staff and were amazed with their energy and dedication.

~ Ed Epp

The Visit “Transylvania Emerging” (Romania and Hungary) with MEDA tour arrived in Bucharest yesterday. Upon arrival in Romania we were impressed to see how the country is changing since becoming a member of the EU. Ed Epp is the leader serving as the story teller. He has traveled here many times as MEDA staff and has a deep appreciation for the people, their culture and their desire to succeed. He said, “I have been inspired by the Romanian people I worked with through CAPA. The program has been a huge, huge success due to their hard work and commitment. They have been an inspiration to me.”

This morning we toured the Royal Palace in Bucharest, the second largest building in the world (after the Pentagon). Wilma Bailey toured the Pentagon as a student and was pleased to tour the Palace today. Our young guide spoke good English and described the change that is slowly emerging since the country became a Democracy.

We enjoyed the afternoon drive across the mountains to Brasov. We saw snow high in the mountains and spring flowers in the meadows. Murray Martin was impressed at the good roads we enjoyed compared to the roads we traveled last year on our tour in Tajikistan. We were reminded of the EU funding commitment and the will of the people to succeed. We look forward to meeting the local people in the programs.

~ 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