Are You Over 50 but Still Looking for a Great Adventure?

We are happy to announce that an upcoming Eco-Service Project will be held on July 13th through July 24th in Leda and the Chaco Region of Paraguay. This program offers a unique opportunity to visit an area which is the home of over 500 species of birds, 300 species of mammals and hundreds of species of fish while providing first-hand accounts of the unique pioneering experiences that have gone into developing the Leda Settlement by Unification Church Elders.

Initially, participants will visit a thriving Mennonite community that developed in 1927 as a result of the settler’s desire to live in a land where they would be free to express and live out their religious values. Participants will continue their journey and trek across the Chaco region by bus and boat till they reach what is now known as the Leda Settlement. In 1999, this land was considered ‘forsaken and abandoned’ but True Parent’s inspired a group of Japanese Elders with the challenge to turn what appears to be a hellish environment into a heaven on earth.

Taking Rev. Moon’s challenge to heart, for two decades these “Completed Testament Age Puritans” have worked to establish a sustainable settlement that has made advances in aquaculture, agriculture and animal husbandry. The settlement strives to be a model community working to alleviate the hunger crisis while making notable contributions to the indigenous villagers including building schools, offering employment and job training as well as replenishing fish resources and creating tree plantations.

Participants will gain a deep appreciation of the efforts of the Japanese pioneers in Leda and understand more clearly True Parent’s vision and efforts in South America and their importance to us and our children. While in the Leda area you can enjoy incredible fishing, horseback riding and seeing the pristine natural beauty of a sunset on the Paraguay River.

Come share and experience Leda’s unique approaches to agriculture, aquaculture, and a visit Pig Land to see how the free range system is working. While in Leda you will visit neighboring indigenous villages. These communities were without electricity, running water and even a school when the pioneers first arrived. Since that time, Leda members and international volunteers have made significant contributions that have benefited those communities while established deep bounds of friendship.

Participation is open to older adults who have no major medical condition. It is helpful if the applicants can speak either English or Japanese. The participation fee is only $ 1,200 and covers rooms, board and local transportation. Participants are responsible for their international travel and we will meet in the capital city of Asuncion. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you want to know more about the Leda Project visit our website at: www,ledaproject,com. Feel free to contact John Gehring at johngehring2@ gmail,com with any questions or suggestions.