Immeasurably More

July 1-4, 2011

FRIDAY we nearly made the entire trip from Paraguay to Argentina without a hiccup.

We left at 6AM in our “beast”. All our suitcases were loaded in a basket on back and piled on top. One of the intern said we looked like a scene from How the Grinch Stole Christmas when the Grinch has all of Whoville’s gifts set precariously on top of a sled. We arrived in Ciudad del Este just before noon (in record time even with muddy roads!). After lunch, we parked our car at a friend’s house and the girls headed out to shop for souvenirs.

Making breakfast in the car....bread and dulce de leche.


At 3:00 we caught a couple taxis and headed to the ferry crossing. We caught a little boat over to Argentina where we were planned to stay for the next 3 nights. Once in Argentina, we showed our passports to the immigration officer and had a problem.

We have crossed into Argentina many many times and have never needed visas because it is a free trade zone. The immigration officer liked our American passports but refused to let Jenny (traveling with a Taiwanese passport) in the country!

The last boat (until Monday) to the Paraguay side was leaving right then and the officer said that she need to be on it. In a split second, Jeff decided that the other 4 interns, the kids and I would go on as planned. He and Jenny would go back to Paraguay. In a split second, Jeff and Jenny sorted through the bags and collected their things. In a spit second, Jeff handed me the passports, money, and information (like the name of our hotel) and last minute instructions. And all the while the immigration officer is breathing down Jeff’s neck because he was holding up the boat.

It all happened so fast. It was sad to part ways with no way to communicate (our cell phones don’t have coverage in Argentina).

In AGRENTINA we checked into our hotel, ate dinner and then retreated back to the room where I fell asleep before the kids did. It had been a long day. In PARAGUAY our missionary friends took care of Jeff and Jenny.

Standing on the PARAGUAY side with ARGENTINA (in the picture) on the right and BRAZIL on the left.


On the little boat heading to Argentina.










SATURDAY the girls went to Iguazu Falls. Unfortunately it was chilly and lightly rained all day, but the falls are incredible no matter what the weather. The girls came back to the hotel that evening wet, cold and full of stories. The kids and I were hermits and stayed in the hotel room all day long (we couldn’t leave because it was raining).

And then…..at 7:30 Jeff showed up! I was so happy to see him. He and Jenny were able to see the Brazil side of Iguazu falls that morning. Then Jenny went back to our friend’s house and Jeff made his way via land to our hotel. He was pretty worn out.

SUNDAY we all went to the waterfalls again. We have been many times, but the awesomeness of God’s creation never dulls. Sunday evening (our last together) we debriefed about the trip. God had shown himself in amazing ways to these girls over the last 5 weeks. He proved faithful with finances, eased their fears, helped them communicate, and caused them to have a deeper understanding of and heart for missions.



These next few shots were taken at "Devil's Throat".
Ever seen The Mission? This is where (at the beginning) the priest on the cross goes over.
Ever seen the latest Indiana Jones? This is where (at the end) Harrison Ford goes over in a little boat....3 times.
Ever seen Mr Magoo? He goes over these falls at this point too.











If these pictures don't display God's awesomeness, I don't know what will..of course, it is even more impressive to see these waterfalls first hand...to feel its mist, to hear its thunderous power and realize just how small we are!
















This is how Julia got around all day. I was jealous!


I LOVE these qoatis! i might possibly have more picture of them than the waterfalls.


In Guarani this bird is called Ambay..I don;t what it is in English.


It was pretty chilly at the waterfalls. Ginny and Julia standing next to a BIG mate guampa and straw....a hot tea-like drink.