September 3, 2025
Susan Hoover
Dear family and friends,
Greetings in Jesus' Name! Is it time for an update again? Seems time goes by so fast, and before we know it a week or two has gone by and I haven't written a word. It's good to be occupied!
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of Him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret, it only causes harm." Psalm 37
Not only does fretting not help, it actually causes harm, according to this verse! I love this set of verses. Trust, delight, commit, and rest! So simple, and yet so difficult at times because of our humanity.
It's another windy spring day in Paraguay. The sheets I've hung on the line so far are straining and twisting, trying to escape! At least they won't take long to dry. And in between loads of laundry, I thought I could work on some writing.
Roberto and Norma took their little boy to the doctor this morning. He has been feverish and sick for a few days now. We hope he soon feels better! He's such a cheerful, happy little fellow when he's not sick. He is 11 months old. The flu and cold seems to be going around. Peter has somewhat of a cold again as well.
We are still waiting, and wondering, about what is going on with Peter's eyesight. At the Vision mobile clinic, nearly two weeks ago now, they said his lenses are still just fine (artificial lenses that he had put in, five years ago when he had cataract surgery) but they could see "something behind the eyes" that was causing pressure on the back of the eye. Well, with Peter's past history of a brain tumour, of course that is the first thing that entered our minds. A brain tumour again! He was also experiencing headaches and dizziness to a certain extent, so it all added up. We went to our doctor here in Campo 9, and he ordered a CAT scan, which we did. It showed nothing unusual, so our doctor recommended we go to a neurologist, in Caaguazu, which is about half an hour from here. So after we got out of our doctor's office we called to the place in Caaguazu, and sure enough, there was an opening with the neurologist for that afternoon yet! (He is only there certain days of the week, and only for a few hours in the afternoon, so it was even more marvellous that we got a spot that easily!) So we headed for Caaguazu and sat in the waiting room of the private hospital there for several hours. It was a first-come first-serve type of thing and there were many others there! But we finally got our turn. Peter showed the neurologist the CAT scan pictures and explained the situation. The neurologist sent us across the street to get an MRI done, which we did immediately. He stayed in his office even after hours, so he could see the results and explain them to us. I thought that was impressive! And even more impressive and praiseworthy, (praises to God) the MRI showed nothing new on Peter's brain! It looks exactly like it did fifteen years ago after his brain surgeries. No new tumour growth. Miraculous! It is good to know that!
However, the question still remains then. Why is Peter's eyesight failing? And what is the "something behind his eyes" that doesn't show up even on the MRI? We don't know. But we know that God knows, He can heal, and we are trusting Him, waiting on Him, and in the meantime are delighting ourselves in Him! It is wonderful to rest in the fact that we can trust Him to do what is best.
Peter does have one more appointment, at the Vision clinic in Coronel Oviedo, on Friday. We'll see what happens there. Erdmann Giesbrecht, the president of the board for the Home here, has offered to take us to that appointment, which is a relief to me!
This past Sunday we were invited for supper to the home of Randy and Rosie Fehr, who live not too far from here, also in Campo 9. Rosie is one of Hein and Tina's daughters. It was nice to get to know them a bit better. Their son, Randy Junior (12 yr old) played a few songs for us yet on his harp. I like harp music -- I find it fascinating. Their daughter also played a song on her flute. We enjoyed the evening!
We also enjoy the twice-monthly Bible study/prayer meeting group that we attend. The Missionsgemeinde, where we have also been attending on Sundays, have cell groups that meet during the week for extra fellowship, sharing, and prayer. There are six other couples in the group we are part of.
And now, it is late afternoon. After all the laundry was folded and put away, Peter and I did a quick run to town to get some medication for one of the residents who is having a severe problem with dry, cracked skin on his hands and feet. When we got home I made up the two ladies' beds with fresh sheets and blankets. We have five ladies here -- these two need clean bedding nearly every day. It's a satisfying feeling to see the beds made up with crisp, clean, fresh sheets. I enjoy this work, even though it definitely has its unpleasant parts as well! 🙁
Then we sat down at the table for a few relaxing moments. Hein was still here and we had a nice chat with him over there in the main building. Angelica and Florencia were making empanadas for the residents' supper, and served us a snack of fresh, warm ones. Yum!
We had a message from the Vision people today, telling us that Peter's appointment for Friday is cancelled, because their office will be closed that day. Something about a football game -- international teams. Paraguay against Peru, I think it is, and since Paraguay is winning, they are having a public holiday on Friday to celebrate!! Our appointment has been moved to Monday. So, a few more days to wait.
The weather has turned quite warm. Up to 31 degrees C today. (89*F) Even the nights have been warm. The cool setting of the mini-split feels good these days!
On Monday morning a group of about 10 young people from a group called El Sendero (translated: the pathway) came here and gave a little program. They sang a few songs, and one of them gave a testimony. Then they dispersed among the elderly folks and visited with them and prayed with and for them. It was nice. Most of them were Plattdeutsch speaking youth from Sommerfeld colony, but some were also Spanish speaking ones from Asuncion. We appreciated their visit!
That is about all the news I have for this time, however I see that for some reason wifi is down, so I won't be able to send it right away. Hopefully we'll soon be back on!
"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 4:2 Yes! We need to continue to pray, and not forget to thank the Lord for all the good things He has already done and given!
Because of Jesus,
Susan for the Hoovers
Good morning now, it's Thursday morning and the wifi seems to be working again. But much better than that, we have the most exciting news this morning! Another grandson! A baby boy for Justin and Cheryl. First son, fifth child! I imagine his four sisters are so excited too!
Haven't heard any fine details yet, such as name and weight, etc.
Have a wonderful, blessed day, everyone!