Superstitious Watermelon and Bus Strikes



Crazy Fruit of the Week: Red Pear!

      Travel on el colectivo (a.k.a a bus), is always an adventure. As the main source of  transportation for most of the population in this 3rd world capital city it can be dangerous and unstable at times. Still I am blessed with the quick access and the number of buses that go past our compound. On Monday there was a city wide bus strike for almost all of the bus lines. Those that did not go on strike found problems as pedestrians began throwing stones at the buses that were running and did not take long to stop as well. The whole town was thrown for a turn as suddenly many people were stuck. In fact, almost every person was affected in multiple ways. The strike was over a new rule changing the maximum age of the buses to be reduced to 25 years old(for safety reasons as with these conditions anything over 5 is usually starting to struggle)! As only a few bus lines have buses that were younger than this new maximum age limit, they decided to strike. This is just a small peek into the condition of the buses that regularly fall apart and are held together by tape and a prayer. The strike did end by noon, but needless to say it was a large deal and greatly influenced the city. As this is my main source of transportation, I was grateful that I did not have to go out on Monday and lived on the same compound as my school. You never do truly appreciate what you depend on until it is taken away.

      Superstition is deeply rooted in Paraguay. This week I had my eyes opened to a strange new focus for superstition, … the watermelon. Oh yes, whether or not you realized it, the watermelon is very very dangerous. For example, the Paraguayans believe it can greatly hurt you if you drink water before or after eating watermelon. Also you cannot drink milk after eating watermelon. You cannot eat watermelon right before bed, or you may not wake up. The list goes on and on… In fact, for the most part you can only have watermelon right after you wake up from your afternoon siesta and before you have dinner (and even that can be a problem). I must admit I wondered if some other melon or fruit farmers got jealous of the watermelon and decided to start some superstitious rumors about the terrifying watermelon! I see the next antagonist for veggie tales being a huge fierce and deadly watermelon. Yet when you think about other cultures and even our lives, we often miss the superstitious things that get away from us and build and build over time. Without even noticing it, things we over think or hold to a high esteem get out of hand and it becomes hard to see the absurdity.

Firsts:

- First time leaping from a moving bus. On Saturday, we had a crazy bus driver (like so many) on the way back from the grocery store. While we pulled the cord for it to stop the driver only decided to slow (around 5 miles per hour), at which time Jenn (with all her groceries) jumped off the moving bus! I immediately pulled the cord again, the bus slowed unfortunately right in front of a cement telephone pole. As it picked up again I too leaped from the bus with two huge shoulder bags of groceries (that were thankfully balanced). Finally the bus slowed almost to a stop and Stacy was able to step off right before it screeched away.
-        First time having a red pear! It does taste almost exactly like a normal pear, but how could I pass up trying a red one!

- First time hearing of the Watermelon superstition of Paraguay.
- First time in Paraguay during a city wide bus strike.
- First time seeing “Awn + Los Jonas Bros” with a heart around it on the back of the bus seat. Slightly humorous!


Density and Buoyant Force Lab!!!

 Prayer Requests:
- Safety is always a huge part of our lives here. Please pray for our safety, especially with our traveling, even in the day to day, and every time we step out the doors we are putting ourselves in harm’s way.
- This coming Monday, I will officially be starting my very first Masters’ Class! Please pray for wisdom, balance, and the great opportunity to learn and grow!