Thank You

“How are you feeling about leaving Paraguay, Alyssa?” I’ve probably been asked this question at least 10 times in the last week. Trying to be self aware, I’ve probably asked myself the same things four times as often. The only response that comes to mind is “Thankful.” Over Christmas I got to host my beloved family in my beloved town of Villarrica. Despite having neither water nor air conditioning much of the time, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Renee described it best by saying that when your favorite people come to this place you’ve come to love, your world is perfect for a short amount of time. I felt that. I felt honored that they’d spend the money to come down. I felt deep respect for them that they had such great attitudes despite being physically uncomfortable. I felt pride when I got to watch them laughing with my Paraguayan friends. I felt so thankful.

As soon as they left, I began packing. I felt thankful that I was able to sell, gift, or pack everything in my apartment. I felt thankful for the memories made in that place. I felt thankful that my apartment had become a refuge of sorts, for various friends. I felt thankful for the growth experienced in my small group which met weekly on the red couch and white armless arm chairs of my living room. I felt thankful for the meaningful times I’ve shared with the Lord out on my balcony. As I closed the door and locked it for the final time, I just felt thankful. As we drove out of Villarrica I wondered when I’d be back. We passed the park where I did the majority of my training for the marathon. I felt thankful.

When we arrived at the hotel, I was reminded of the beauty and tranquility of rural Paraguay. I remembered sitting at the dinner table with my family, last Christmas, and announcing that I thought Paraguayan landscape to be my favorite in the whole world. The different shades of greens from the trees that cover the rolling hills like green down blankets set against the blue sky , the birds singing and flying against the backdrop of fluffy white clouds, and the bright purples, pinks, oranges, yellows, and reds of flowers all make me sad to leave this place. The song of the birds and a gentle breeze which ruffles the leaves of the trees fill my heart with pure peace. And then the sweet, sweet company of Ana, Suely, Liz, Giselle and Laudes all make me echo Goeff Moore and the Distance who sing, “It’s good to be alive!” I felt especially thankful as we sat outside on the porch for dinner, last night, looking at the sunset, feeling the breeze, and listening to my precious 12 year olds tell me stories about themselves as little girls (in English!).

This morning the Lord woke me up before my alarm rang and invited me to spend some time alone, with Him, this last morning in El Interior (non-Asuncion). So here I sit before a huge window looking out over the hills, listening to the birds, and watching the girls sleep. I’m thinking back over these last 2 ½ years, wondering where in the world to begin, and the only words that come to mind are “Thank You.” To write out the specific things for which I am thankful feel shallow, because words cannot begin to describe God’s goodness to me over these last years. Yet I feel compelled to do it anyway, despite my absolute inability to so.

Thank You, Lord, for bringing me 5000 from home in order to draw me to Yourself. Thank You for settling me in Villarrica, against my wishes, where I could discover my love of teaching and share life with these amazing young women. Thank You for placing me on this SIM team with the Stirlings, Givens, Stouts, McKissicks, Floyds, Houghs, Stirlings, Givens, Gilliams, Camerons, Elliots, Dreilings, Terhaars, Fiona, Cherlynn, Gina, and Kait. Thank You for quieting me. Thank You for helping me run the Buenos Aires marathon. Thank You for all who came down to visit me- Hope, my family, Carol, the Breuers, Adam, Mel, and Diane. Thank You for the faithfulness of my supporters and churches. Thank You for giving me the opportunity to write. Thank You for calling me to prepare for grad school and encouraging me to read. Thank You for the written word that allows us to draw life from those who have lived before us. Thank You for Augustine and Thomas Merton. Thank You so much for Fiona, Lord, and the plans You have for her. Thank You for la Iglesia Biblica de Villarrica, and Centro Educativo Internacional. Thank You for providing Internet in my apartment. Thank You for Skype. Thank You for Eric. Thank You so much for Eric. Thank You for fresh fruit juice and fresh fruit, in general. Thank You for the cool breezes and the sweet birds. Thank You for my electric blanket, hair dryer, and electric space heater. Thank You for ice and terere. Thank You for this precious 7th grader who just called to me, “Hi Teacher,” from her top bunk. Thank You for nail polish. Thank You for cameras. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You for loving me and calling me to Yourself. Thank You for Paraguay. And now, thank You for calling me home.