Ce-le-brate Good Times, Come On!

Celebrations in the heart of South America are BIG, just like the continent in which they take place- whether birthday parties, local events, or national holidays.

Getting ready to dance during the Mother's Day Celebration at our school in Jhugua!

Taking a break before his performance during the Independence Day celebration- note the painted on bigote, (mustache)! Too cute!

 It is a time for people to get together, cook outside, laugh, dance, maybe pass around a green bottle with pomelo juice and a secret added ingredient! Cerveza is popular as well, even among pregnant women. It is believed that if a pregnant mom drinks beer, she will give birth to a baby with blue eyes.

Donato's 90th Birthday celebration included a cow killed in his honor, two bands, and lasted until 4:00AM!

 In Arazape, we just celebrated Independence Day, with Mother’s Day just one day behind. Unlike Independence Day, Mother’s Day was filled with the sounds of bombas, loud music, family gatherings and again, what would a party be without it- MEAT, (pork, beef and fish!), with a little mandioca and lots of Sopa Paraguaya, (special cornbread with cheese and onion). I brought a big salad with lettuce from our garden, with a mild homemade dressing. At first, people asked about the types of veggies in the salad, if they were cooked or not, and tasted a leaf or two. Mark and I took big scoops, and before we knew it the salad was being passed around the table and not a single veggie was left in the bowl!!! Yeah- we may be making some headway in our healthy eating campaign!!

And just like the big celebrations, our host country nationals have big hearts to match! We have been invited to share in these celebrations, not just as guests, but, as part of the family.

Johanna's Seventh Birthday Party!

When I offered to take a picture of the women in the family for Mother’s Day, it was out of the question. After all, Tia Susana, you are a Mother, too! So I too, posed for the picture with the other women in my Paraguayan family.

The only thing that could have made this day more complete would be if my own Mom and kids could have joined in the festivities. Now that would be a whole other celebration in itself!

New "Club de Libros" group celebrate earning a book!