I finally made it! I arrived in Asuncion on Thursday and am now in my town where I will be training, Ypane (pronounced eh-pah-neh). I´m living with a host family that has 5 little boys, ages 14-8 months old… and we all even share 1 bathroom! I also have a brother here named Brian, just like at home! I like the food here so far, tons of meat and lots of rice with milk (arroz con leche). The weather has been rainy and a little cold. Yesterday was my host dad´s birthday, so we had an asado (Paraguayan bbq). My host mom is only 32 years old, so it´s a little strange that I´m her daughter! I will start my Guarani classes tomorrow morning. I may be a little slow in responding to messages because I don´t have internet at my house, and am in training all day, 6 days per week. Just wanted to let you all know that I´m here and all is well!!!
YoursTrulyJulieG 
Julz:
Glad that you made it. Am going to look up your town on the net. Getting hot as heck here. Tessa is not happy working in the heat. She’s whining a bunch but teenagers are suppose to whine so I think she’s fine. I head north Wed. take good care of yourself, have fun,
Love,
Juan
Hope you have a safe trip, John!
I am so glad you have informed us that you are safe and sound. I looked up Ypane. You are only 16 miles from the capital…not bad. Have you seen the tree with the hole in it at the square. …the Valentine tree? Google says rice farming is a main industry, so it looks like you’ll be getting a lot of rice dishes from this young family. There are three rivers nearby. Are they pretty? Adios, PAPA
Julie, there is news about the president of Paraguay. He is a former priest but news is out that he fathered TWO children with a nurse. Priests are supposed to be celibate. He later resigned from the priesthood and became president but nevertheless this is scandalous news. I thought you should know. I imagine if it is news in the Dallas paper then it should be headlines your way. Adios, PAPA
Hi Dad, yes that story has been all over the news here as well! How is everything in Dallas?
Julie! We want pictures of your new sliver of paradise- especially if you come across any local cats…. especially.
There are tons of cats here! I will try to get some good photos, but won´t be able to upload them anytime soon. I need to wait til I get internet on my computer, cause the ones at the internet cafe all have viruses. But you would love the cats here 🙂
hey yo Julie. I MISS YOU!:( I don’t have anyone to sing “Gold Digger” to. When are you going to be able to skype? Do you like all your new siblings? No one can beat me I’m your top favorite! I love you mucho!!
-Tessa
P.S I passed my Spanish exam!!!!!!!!
Hey Tessa! Bien hecho en tu examen! I do like my new siblings, but obviously they are not as cool as the real ones. They are really cute… wish you could meet them. I have no idea what they are saying most of the time, but I just nod my head and say ¨si¨. Miss you and love you!