Experience South America - Chaco
April 4th, 2008Yesterday 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
