How could you not want to see this. A couple of kids from our last time in Paraguay.



To the Left, pictures do not do justice to the Iguazu Falls, this is only one small section that can be seen.







There is so much that is great about Paraguay and so much that is not so great. The people are very laid back, kind and truly appreciative of the medical attention they receive. Paraguay is the poorest country in South America, only slightly poorer the Bolivia. The country is landlocked, has no true natural resources and other than the falls that are on the border with Brazil and Argentina does not really have any great scenery.

The country fought two very unsuccessful wars with its neighbors, one with Brazil, giving up a huge amount of its territory to the east and then with Bolivia, again giving up some of its territory, which Bolivia ended up giving back because it was so worthless. Now its largest export is energy produced from the Dam sitting between Paraguay and Brazil, which was built with money from Brazil so they got a very good deal, a deal that by the way was never approved by the Paraguayan Parliament but is thought to have put a very large amount in the pocket of the countries president at the time.

The country was under a dictatorship for over 50 years and had the dubious distinction of being named as the most corrupt country in the world (and that is saying something). Post World War II it was host to some very unsavory characters, the most notable being Joseph Mengele and a few other Nazi war criminals that would move between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The country is changing slowly and corruption although present is not as acceptable (out in the open) as it once was, contraband is not quite the business it used to be and they have clamped down on human smuggling.

So one might ask, why would someone go there. This country needs our help. They are trying to change their image, trying to become a more acceptable country among their peers and are trying to move into the 21st century. The Hospital we work with Centro Medico Bautista was established back in the early 50's by a couple of medical missionaries that had to get there via boat up the river from Buenos Aires Argentina, after having gone by boat to Argentina. A five week trip all together.

I'll get into the hospital and what it does and how it does it later, but suffice it to say that what it is able to do with its limited budget is truly amazing.

Once there I'll upload some recent pictures and let everyone know whats happening with the group.

But remember - it is what it is