Hola,

You are probably wondering what “Terere” is right? I know what you are going to say so I’ll answer your question before you have time to ask it. Terere is the cold version of the world-famous Yerba Mate from South America. If someone offers you some terere it means that they think you are cool and want to be your friend. It is similar to the peace pipe done by North American Indians.

Terere is served from a thermos into a guampa with a metal straw called a bombilla. The host takes the thermos and pours the water into the guampa and drinks the water that is instantly flavored by the Yerba leaves inside. Then he refills and passes the guampa on to the next person. If you wish to decline you can simply say, “Gracias,” and they will not give you any more. It is a custom not to drink if you are sick.

You can google search it and find out more if that isn’t sufficient for you.

-JM

We got back earlier today. I am tired after two days of traveling on airplanes. I am ready for a power nap. I just wanted to let you know that we got home safely and are still alive. Thanks for your prayers.

-JM

Hello,

The trip has gone well, we’ve been here for almost a week. Today is the last “day” here. We leave tomorrow. I will let you know what has happened in the last few days.

We got here late Saturday morning and met Tim, Juan, and Jessie in the airport. We drove to the Hotel and spent an uneventful afternoon at the Hotel. Then we went to a church service that night and met some people and were introduced to the community. The next day we arrived in Church and did some stuff with the nationals later. Every night up to Thursday has had an event at night. We did evangelism all day Monday and a lot of it on Tuesday but with some discipleship. Wednesday was one evangelism and mostly discipleships. Yesterday was all discipleship. We also taught at three schools four times on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Time to go do something, Chao!

-JM

P.S. Here is the password for the next post: flight