Asunci贸n 2009! We’ve arrived!
July 10, 2009 | posted by Lars under gys, mwc, paraguay!, updates
A bit after noon yesterday, under a grey sky reminiscent of our first days of biking in Virginia, we rolled into Colegio Gutenberg, where the Global Youth Summit will take place this weekend as a part of the Mennonite World Conference Assembly here in Asunci贸n.聽 We were accompanied by two youth from a Mennonite church here in Asunci贸n for the last 10 miles or so, and after arriving, being greeted by folks, and reenacting our arrival for the MWC photographer, we began to settle into the campus which is now filling with young adults from all around the globe.
Among the many new faces from Paraguay, Cambodia, and everywhere in between, it’s been wonderful to also see people we left weeks or months ago, from Bolivia, Mexico, Peru, and several from the United States, including the EMU cross-cultural.聽 We had an informal service last night for those who arrived early, but the summit begins in earnest in 20 minutes, at 9:00; being a part of this incredibly diverse gathering is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to the many interactions and conversations which will come out of it (and already are!).聽 At the same time, it’s rather surreal to actually be here.聽 We left Harrisonburg just over 6 months ago, and have traveled though 12 countries and more than 12,000 kilometers (around 7,750 miles), spent time in many places and with many people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs; we’ve been through many seasons and climates, and now we’re here, among many others, also representing many experiences, cultures, and congregations.聽 May God be glorified in these days - in our interactions, conversations, worship, meals, and recreation!
38 Responses to “Asunci贸n 2009! We’ve arrived!”
• On Jul 10, 2009 Tom & Faith Peachey wrote:
Hurray, and praise the Lord! We trust the conference will be all you expected, and more. You fly home, right? Uncle (Jon’s) Tom & Faith Peachey
• On Jul 10, 2009 Alan wrote:
Well done Gents! Awesome accomplishment and to time your arrival… geess you made it look so easy! Thanks for bringing us along on your trip and letting us see the world though your eyes.
Alan
Luray, VA
• On Jul 10, 2009 Mary Alice Ressler wrote:
Congratulations, Jon & Lars! What an amazing journey you’ve had! Thanks for letting us ride along. I hope the Summit is a fine culmination to these months on the road.
• On Jul 10, 2009 Michael Ford wrote:
Praise God for your safety and arrival, and thank you for letting so many of us vicariously share in the journey. Your updates have been the highlight of my email the last few months - I think I’ll experience withdrawal pains now that your trip is over!
• On Jul 10, 2009 Carmen Schrock-Hurst wrote:
Jon and Lars,
Thanks be to God for your safe arrival! May you be blessed and continue to be a blessing throughout the days ahead. Thanks for sharing your reflections and photography with us throughout these past months.
Carmen Schrock-Hurst
• On Jul 10, 2009 Marilyn Kennel wrote:
Blessed be! What an amazing accomplishment. We rejoice in your safe arrival and can only imagine the emotional reunions with family and friends.
• On Jul 10, 2009 Len and Norma Jean wrote:
We’ve waited awhile to send this message: “Hooray and yeehaw!” What a wonderful trip, a wonderful experience, and we’re grateful that we were able to vicariously travel with you. We’re grateful for your safety, restored health, and final arrival. We’re waiting for the slideshow at church now!!
• On Jul 10, 2009 Tim Davis wrote:
Congratulations to both of you! Not only did you make it, but you made it in good spirits! I pray you are able to thoroughly enjoy the conference and your part in helping others be there.
• On Jul 10, 2009 Marty Smucker wrote:
Praising and thanking the Lord for your safe arrival to your destination. I’ve been enjoying following your journey these past 6 months. Wish I could be there to hear your part in the planned program there.
I’m a school friend of Jon’s mom.
After 6 months do your legs move in circles in your sleep? =)
• On Jul 10, 2009 SMH wrote:
So happy for the two of you! Enjoy the great satisfaction of a remarkable accomplishment! You did it!!! God is and will be glorified! Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Steve
• On Jul 10, 2009 vw wrote:
yea! I enjoyed reading and following along. Thanks!
• On Jul 10, 2009 Peter Dula wrote:
From Tim Krabbe, “The Rider”
“Oh, to have been a rider then. Because after the finish all the suffering turns to memories of pleasure, and the greater the suffering, the greater the pleasure. That is Nature’s payback to riders for the homage they pay her by suffering. Velvet pillows, safari parks, sunglasses: people have become woolly mice. They still have bodies that can walk for five days and four nights through a desert of snow, without food, but they accept praise for having taken an one-hour bicycle ride. ‘Good for you.’… Nature is an old lady with few suitors these days, and those who wish to make use of her charms she rewards passionately.”
A lot of us, pedaling around our Shenandoah Valley hills think, ‘Oh to have been with Jon and Lars…’ Congratulations to you both.
• On Jul 10, 2009 Steve Carpenter wrote:
Wow! Congratulations, you made it! You guys are something!
• On Jul 10, 2009 Byron Peachey wrote:
Great to hear you’ve arrived and now have a terrific event to be a part of - enjoy and bring back many stories for us.
• On Jul 10, 2009 Dennis Freed wrote:
glad you made it. has been fun following your blog. blessings for your time with the convention. glad to see you both in guatemala quickly. denny
• On Jul 10, 2009 Donna Shank wrote:
Thanks be to God for traveling mercies. Thank you for so faithfully logging your photos and thoughts. It truly has been a blessing to be with you during this amazing journey.
• On Jul 10, 2009 Jim and Lin Bowman wrote:
I have been thinking so much of you two and your families and special friends these past few days, and have been eagerly awaiting the news of your arrival in Asuncion. I can only imagine the range of emotions you all are and will be feeling in the days to come. What an amazing accomplishment! I thank you for keeping us informed along the way. Congratulations, and big best wishes in whatever comes next.
• On Jul 10, 2009 Geoff & Janet Groff wrote:
How wonderful to read your blog this evening! God’s blessing and care during your travels has been an inspiration to us as we followed your blog since February. February til July…that is a long bike ride. Relax and enjoy Asuncion. Congratulations!
Jon, we’ll see you in the Philadelphia airport!
• On Jul 10, 2009 Jay Leaman wrote:
Congratulations Lars and Jon! Thank you for your faithful story telling of your journey with God and God’s people these months. I’ve enjoyed the “ride” tremendously! Rich blessings to each of you in all that you are able to experience in Paraguay at the Summit. God be praised!
• On Jul 11, 2009 Lynn Bain wrote:
So happy that you are all there now and God is being glorified.
• On Jul 11, 2009 Michael Raush wrote:
You guys are awesome! Can’t wait for you to get home so I can hear about it Jon!
• On Jul 12, 2009 James wrote:
Hooray and congratulations! And greetings from your friends in Poarch, Alabama! I look forward to seeing you guys in Virginia. Enjoy the Conferences.
• On Jul 12, 2009 Mark Keller wrote:
Wonderful! Congratulations! We are proud of you and humbled by your achievement.
• On Jul 12, 2009 Noelle Tobin wrote:
Praise God that you’ve made it through a truly incredible trip! We’ve been tracking with you, cheering for you, and trying to learn from you in the HMC Sunday school class, Lars. Blessings on your time at the conference.
• On Jul 12, 2009 Katie Derstine wrote:
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(that about sums it up!)
• On Jul 12, 2009 Jim and Carol Spicher wrote:
hey guys, congratulations to both of you! We thank God for your safety and the generosity of the many folks which you encountered along the way! We’re looking forward to seeing both of you here in Asuncion, and to hear more about your reflections in the months (and years) ahead! We love you!
• On Jul 13, 2009 Ann and Jim Hershberger wrote:
隆Felicidades! Que el Se帽or sea alabado con su desempe玫, que su reino sea avansado. 隆Que descansen uds!
• On Jul 13, 2009 Philip Rhodes wrote:
Woohoo! Have fun RESTING guys! God is good!
• On Jul 14, 2009 Jan Wells wrote:
We are rejoicing with you and praise the Lord for his hand upon you these many miles. I was with your Mom and Dad when they were considering a trip down south—what a joy to think of your mom joining you for the meetings!I love going back through your writings and hearing the way God’s hand was on you!
• On Jul 14, 2009 Mim Eberly wrote:
Jon I told your dad I think of you 2 every time riding my stationary bicycle and not moving one inch off the spot while you guys were acutally moving. Many of your musings resonated so well with me, having lived in Central America and traveled in many of the places there and in S. America. Your lives have been enriched and you have enriched so many lives. God continue to bless and lead you.
• On Jul 14, 2009 Hifive Guys wrote:
Jon and Lars, Two friends here saying that we’re pleased to see that you arrived safely. Comment: Picture 4 of 6 in the last group of pictures shows two people walking away from the camera. We’re speculating that these two people were not cooperative with cameraman Lars’ request for a better photo. Nevertheless, we’re pleased to see the photo.
• On Jul 16, 2009 Joseph wrote:
Six months, 7750 miles? Absolutely amazing and epic! Congratulations.
-Impressed Oregon Bicyclist
• On Jul 16, 2009 Sarah Scott wrote:
Congratulations to both of you! We have been thinking of your trip to Paraguay ever since we met you, Lars at PAPA fest just over a year ago. We are very happy you made it safely and some of our young people down there mentioned meeting you at a workshop.
Sarah Scott
Woodcrest Community
• On Jul 18, 2009 Don Tyson wrote:
Glad to read of your arrival. Hope you are gaining strength from the fellowship of young adults and all others from Mennonites from all over the world. Am jealous that we are not there. Blessings to you in your remaining days at the conference and in your trip home.
• On Jul 20, 2009 Eojin Lee wrote:
I was so happy to hear that you made it! I thank God for the safety! I am very proud of you both. I talked to Loren and Pat Swartzendruber while their staying in Korea and they told me about your exciting news! I hope you enjoy your time in Paraguay!
• On Jul 20, 2009 Margo Jantzi wrote:
Praise be to God for your safety! We look forward to hearing your sharing at the Vespers at the Crossroads Amphitheater on August 23rd.
Looking forward to welcoming you back to Harrisonburg and learning from your journey with God’s people in the Americas.
• On Jul 20, 2009 Rick wrote:
To God be the Glory, great things He has done! I’m thankful to hear of your journey being completed safely, and for your health. God has revealed Himself in many wonderful ways through this adventure. I have been blessed through your website, both the perspectives you have shared and the photos. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
• On Jul 20, 2009 Gudrun Warkentin wrote:
Jon and Lars,
We麓re back from Asunci贸n - so I saw your last update of pictures and writing. Thanks for sharing about your trip. I was just so thrilled to meet your mothers among the 5000+ people.