Day 7: Welcome Respite
There was a golden sunrise over the river on this final day here in the Panatanal. However, we could never leave Leda without at least one day of fishing. I regret to say I have no photos of the Revs. Michael and Kerry’s fish though they outfished the women’s boat. Separate boats were taken so that the ladies’ desire to horseback-ride could be scheduled in before our departure as we moved on to our next stop in Jardim, Brazil. Staying with tradition, the two minister couples
Day 6: Time is flying by...
Time seems to be flying by quickly. Again, following reading, prayer and breakfast, we were guided by Mr. Sano to board the boat to travel to the indigenous villages of Diana, Bahia Negra and Esperanza. In each location the ministers greeted the village directors, and met with the school children. Songs were sung, taught and exchanged. And Rev. Sykes addressed the children, encouraging them to study hard so that they can someday do well in the world. Gifts were offered to th
Day 5: The Leda Settlement
Our morning began with a time of spiritual reading and prayer, then breakfast and a quick run over to the cow barn for a " sample experience" of milking the cows. With a bit of practice the technique was perfected. Mr. Sano, our beloved brother and guide, gave a morning presentation on the history of the Leda project and its development, then took us on a short tour of Rev. Moon's residence, which he explained was furnished completely by donated pieces of furniture from each
Day 4: Arrival in Puerto Leda
The 5-hour boat ride to Puerto Leda was an enjoyable trip. Our group rose early to board a small speed boat which we packed high with our luggage. The Pantanal is radiant and serene in the morning hours, as birds flap their wings, gliding and soaring over the Paraguay River waters. We traveled first to Fuerte Olimpo where we visited the place Rev. Moon gave the first direction to build the Leda Settlement. We took a few minutes to offer prayers for the unity of North and Sout
Day 3: Milk, Meat, and Rain
The morning began with our group gathering for a delightful breakfast and cheerful conversation, after which we set off to meet with our Mennonite guide who explained the Mennonite history and the structure of the local cooperative government. This social structure has been a great inspiration to the Leda settlers, as well as to the visiting ministers. We also toured the museum, milk processing factory, slaughterhouse and rain water capture system, which amply facilitates th
Day 2: What A Beautiful Day!
What a beautiful Sunday in Paraguay! Our small group arrived to the warm and welcoming FFWPU Church of Asuncion where the Revs. Michael and Zena Sykes were guest speakers. The service opened with Rev. Zena offering a beautiful rendition of “I am a Friend of God” in English, Spanish and Korean, which set the tone for Rev. Michael Sykes’ moving, profound and humorous testimony about his calling to support the ministry of Rev. Moon, a ministry that works to unify the religions o
Day 1: ACLC Minister to Paraguay and Leda Project
Today Revs. Michael and Zena Sykes together with Rev. Kerry Pobanz met together with Rev. Carol Pobanz (already in Paraguay) to begin the Leda eco-service tour, and to inaugurate Paraguay’s ACLC organization. The group began their day with Mr. Sano, director of the Leda Settlement, giving a brief overview of the itinerary and plan. Following lunch, the couples took the traditional walking tour through the downtown area of the capital city of Asuncion, also making stops at th
2nd Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Day 15 July 18th, 2016
July 18th, 2016 Today was our last full day all together before we depart our ways to our homes. We all started the day writing a letter to ourselves which will be randomly mailed to us in the future. The morning was spent visiting the Vice President of the country and presenting him with one of our taro T-shirts. The specific service projects that the youth was involved with were reported to the Vice President. Later the group took a trip to the ABC media group to be intervi
2nd Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Day 15 July 17th, 2016
July 17th, 2016 Our group today took a short bus ride to join a Sunday service with the Asuncion community. After the service we all shared a meal with the community. We enjoyed songs and performances presented by the community members and carp group. Later we gave back by performing a dance and singing a song. We walked with the younger generation over to the field to play multiple games of soccer the same afternoon.
2nd Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Day 13 July 16th, 2016
Day 13 July 16th, 2016 We woke up this morning feeling the cold on the boat. None of us went outside much because of the cold and overcast in the morning. We stayed in our rooms playing card games, Avalon, sleeping and just hanging out talking with one another. There would be 10 people all crammed in one small room playing cards. It was a lot of fun and definitely an experience to remember. At around 12:30pm we arrived in Vallemi where we ate a delicious meal of pizza by the
