Today, we woke up to a drenching and cool rain which gave us an unexpected break. Most of the group was able to tour Asuncion and learn more about this wonderful and amazing place. Many were struck by the opulance of the Presidential Palace, which sits in contrast, between a large shanty town on the water. Evidence of Paraguay's Bicential Celebration of Indepence from Spain was also splashed across the city.
Another group toured an area north of Asuncion, where Habitat Paraguay will eventually help build 240 homes. The name of this upcoming neighborhood is "For the Future of the Children." and is located in an abundant rain forest. As we traveled there, it seemed we were driving back in time to this place untouched and pristine- with lush tall trees and brilliant flowers.
Here, were greeted by beautiful, smiling children and their parents at their community center. Several of them led us on a rather long hike through their neighborhood (in the rain forest )where the homes seemed to be miles apart. The two homes we saw showed the incredible inguinuity of the families who built them. However, each were only two rooms, with dirt floors and leaking roofs.
Habitat's plan is to negotiate with the government to transfer title to the land to the families living there. Once this is accomplished, Habitat will partner with families to build homes that will accomodate the number of people living in them - with concrete floors and running water.
We all returned from that trip awestruck and encouraged that Habitat could offer so much hope to the proud families who have built a strong and close-knit community.
Signing off- a changed person- Gwen Stephenson, Loveland Habitat for Humanity.
Some photos to share!
The masons working hard
Progress-Smiling volunteers with the Colonel
The Presidential Palace in Asuncion
The Shanty Town next to the Presidential Palace
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