Area Profiles
The places she’s called home in the Paraguay Asunción South Mission — and a little of Paraguay’s Latter-day Saint story.
Ca’aguazú
Caaguazú Department · rural interiorHer very first area, fresh out of the MTC — almost entirely campo (countryside), a name that means “big weed” in Guaraní. Fireflies and frogs filled the swampy nights, and a bus ride up to the town of Yhú opened a whole new corner of the area. Home to converts Richard, Abraham, and Amelia, and her first companions, Hermana Whitesides and Hermana Hadley.
The Church’s presence in Paraguay’s rural interior departments like Caaguazú has grown quietly since missionaries first arrived in the country in 1948 — small branches meeting faithfully, often gathering across long, dusty distances to worship together.
Villa Elisa
Greater Asunción · CentralA large, lively suburb just south of the capital — and the area where Hermana McCoy trained her first missionary, Hermana Jensen. Home to a wave of beloved young converts: Jhoaum, Kimberly, Ahnia, Milkar, Lucas, and Mia.
The Church grew quickly in greater Asunción after missionaries first arrived in Paraguay in 1948. The Asunción Paraguay Temple, dedicated in 2002, is the spiritual anchor of the region and a frequent P-day pilgrimage for the missionaries.
Coronel Bogado
Itapúa · southern ParaguayA small rural town “a little like Radiator Springs,” where Hermana McCoy was sent to open the area and train Hermana Barney. A young group meeting in a storefront is on its way to becoming a branch — with outreach to Kuruñai, Ita Paso, and San Pedro.
Coronel Bogado shows the Church’s quiet expansion into rural Itapúa — small bodies of saints meeting faithfully, sometimes gathering in homes across long stretches of countryside to renew their covenants.
Encarnación
Itapúa · on the Paraná RiverThe “Pearl of the South,” sitting on the Paraná River across from Argentina and famous for its beaches and Carnival. A frequent gathering point within the mission, it’s the setting for zone conferences, beach volleyball, and a transfer-week stint working in a trio.
Encarnación is home to some of the oldest and strongest congregations in southern Paraguay, long a gathering point for saints crossing from the Argentine border towns.