I'M HERE!!!

I AM IN PARAGUAY!!! It is crazy to think that just a year ago I was getting ready to go to Peru for training. That means that a year ago I didn’t speak or write Spanish, I didn’t know the things I do now know about being a missionary, and I wasn’t the same person that I am now. These are all crazy things for me to think about!
I sat down to write a year-end blog about how 2011 went, all the changes in my life, and to just kind of sum up the year. However, when I started to write that blog all I could think about was how awesome it is that I am finally here, in Paraguay, on the mission field where God had called me. As I was trying to write about the last year I find myself getting too wrapped up thinking about the work we are going to do and celebrating the fact that our team is complete – That’s right - Our team is finally complete with 4 pairs (1 North American & 1 South American) of missionaries!!!
What I will say about 2011 is that it was an exciting year with many changes and challenges. I grew a lot in my walk with Christ. I learned to trust him as I felt his presence close during many rough times as well as times of celebration. I trained hard to learn Spanish and in Missionary Training so I could be prepared to succeed in what God has called me to. I also made so many great friends and got to know some great teammates.

Now to get to matters at hand: I AM IN PARAGUAY! I mean how cool is that. Mike & I arrived this last Wednesday afternoon to find four of my teammates (Leon and our 3 new Venezuelan partners) here ready waiting for the rest of the team to arrive. Felipe arrived a day later and then our team was completed today with Emily arriving this morning.

So we are all here, anxious and ready to push forward to start our work in Paraguay. We are all starting to adjust to Paraguay and all the differences it has but are excited to move forward.
In closing I would like to share some praise and prayer requests:
PRAISE: Our 40/40 team is complete! All of our team is here which includes 4 North Americans, 1 Brazilian and 3 Venezuelans.
PRAYER: Because we are a complete team now we will start our work in pairs. This means adjustment for everyone so please continue to pray for our team as we go through what is commonly called "partner shock" in the midst of culture shock.
PRAYER: The request is for the country of Paraguay itself. It has been said that Paraguay is the missionary cemetery. This is not because they die but is because when missionaries have worked here nothing sticks and the seeds of faith die away. Please pray that God will use us and win Paraguay for the Lord.

Thanks for all your continued prayers as they are felt! I also ask that you prayerfully consider joining my support team through prayer or financially or would like more information on how to join the team click the following link: Kelsey Extreme Paraguay Click to donate or join the prayer team and follow the steps provided. The most efficient is direct withdrawal from a bank account, credit cards have charges so not everything you donate will make it to the field with me. Thank you