the Light is here.

I am in disbelief that today is November 1st! We are approaching summer in Paraguay, so it seems strange that Christmas is coming soon. Each day gets hotter and hotter with lots of rain. The school year is ending in about a month as well. Kids are talking about what they are going to do this summer. So weird!
Life is good. I´m continuing to see God´s work in the lives of so many people, including my own. Doni, the pastor, told me that he had previously thought it would be so difficult for me to come to this country because of the differences in language, culture, etc. I certainly can´t minister to the people here in the same way that a native can, yet it´s been so interesting to see how God has opened the doors of opportunity for me in Paraguay. It´s because I´m not a native that people are interested in talking to me. People want to know who I am, where I´m from, and my motive for coming here. I get to share my story of what God has done in my life EVERY single day. I am developing relationships with people of great influence in this city and this country. I don´t think it´s a coincidence that God has placed me in their path. I believe that God is using me as a missionary in their homes, in their schools, and in their businesses. The Lord has provided a way for me to enter their lives in a way that many people here have not been able to do. Sometimes I wish I could just blend in and go unnoticed, but I am realizing that my differences are the very things that allow me to do what God has called me to do. I praise Him for His sovereignty and divine plan. He always sees the bigger picture. Doni, Aurio (pastor of the church in Ita Paso), and I are seeing God do tremendous things. Lives are changing. All glory, honor, and praise be to God!
Last night, I participated in a parade hosted by our church. It was called ¨Marcha Blanca.¨ About 700 people dressed in white marched through the streets of the city singing worship songs. I sang with the worship team on a huge trailer truck bed. Another truck followed behind projecting the words on a huge screen. People were flooding out of their apartments, homes, and stores to see what we were doing. We probably picked up about another 100 people as we traveled through the streets. It was unlike anything I´d ever done before. The parade was supposed to symbolize that the Light of Christ is illuminating the darkness. Encarnacion means ¨Ciudad de Dios¨(City of God). The churches are trying to reclaim this city and this country for Christ. I believe God wants us to come before Him and ask for things like this. Nothing is impossible for Him.

I am feeling encouraged and strengthened today. God is powerful. Thank you for your prayers. Please know that I´m praying for all of you as well.

El es El Rey de mi vida...He is the King of my life.

Bendiciones,
Emily