HEE HAW...CHA HAW CHA HAW!

WOW! The past few days have been exhausting! It's the good kind of exhausting, though.

The pre-teen lockin Friday night was an absolute success! The kids had so much fun playing all the games Val and I planned! It was a wonderful time of fellowship with these precious young ones. I enjoyed everything about the night, but probably my favorite was teaching 'The Animal Game'. Those of you from the RCC youth group know what I'm talking about. 'The Animal Game' is where you sit in a circle and every chair represents a different animal. The highest is the elephant and the lowest is the skunk. There are all sorts of animals in between: bull, lion, fish,
wolf, bunny, donkey, eagle, etc. Each animal has a symbol and/or a sound. Basically, it is a fast-paced game of animal sounds and funny noises which make for a hilarious time! Interestingly enough, not all animal sounds are universal.

Saturday, the play was awesome! A lot of people attended and everyone's work really paid off. It was a great performance and I think the message of it was powerful to all who were there!

Sunday was our last day at Caballito church. I laughed a lot and I cried a lot. It's hard to explain the kind of impact these people have had on my life. It's hard to describe the feelings to someone who hasn't experienced it before. All I can say is this is not my last time to visit Argentina. I am determined to come back and see these people again.

Yesterday was our day off, so we did some fun tourist-y things...museums, etc. I went to heaven on earth. It was a children's book fair! There were thousands upon thousands of books in Spanish. There were hundreds of little children running around speaking Spanish. Needless to say, I was in awe of my surroundings and soaking up every bit of the energy those little kids had! I loved it!

For the rest of the week, we have LST studies and a couple of organizing things to do at the church office. We've also got plans with the youth group and other friends. This will be a hard week..I'm not ready to say goodbye. I told Valerie that she is going to have to physically push me on the plane and buckle me into my seat. She said the same...so I don't know who's going to make us get on that plane!

I will probably not get a chance to write in my blog again until I'm back in the states. But..I'll do a final post once I get back! So...see you guys stateside!

Move Over, Madonna....

In 1996, Madonna may have stolen all your hearts with her stunning portrayal of Eva Peron in the film Evita, but there is no actress in this world who is worthy of being compared to Valerie and myself. Yes, what you have heard is true. This weekend, Valerie and I will be making our Argentine theatrical debut in a play titled "El Peso de Las Decisiones" (The Weight of Decisions).

This play is a project that we have been working on with the youth group here for the past two months. It is designed to be an outreach tool for the community. We have pieced together several small plays into one overriding plot. Valerie and I were put in charge of costumes and also asked to participate in the acting. We have been working to sew (by hand) a robe for Jesus, a nightcap, a reversible black and white t-shirt, a Mrs. Claus outfit, a beard, and many other odds and ends of costumes and props. We are participating in the part of the show called "Las Cruces de Diseno". It is a fashion show of crosses. It is basically bringing to mind the different kinds of crosses that we, as Christians, create to bear. We have a materialism cross, a comfortable cross, a pocket-size crisis cross, a holiday cross, and finally my cross: the original cross. The announcers for the fashion show talk about each cross and what's so appealing about it. When they get to mine, they talk about how the original cross isn't chosen by many people to bear. It is heavy and not appealing to the eye. Then, they talk about the reward at the end for carrying the cross. I think it's a pretty neat concept, and an entertaining way to present it.

In other news, this week has been extremely busy and it's not going to let up. We are one week away from departure and we are trying to finish up all our work here and spend as much time with the people as we possibly can. I'm trying not to think too much about having to say goodbye in just 7 short days--it's going to be hard.

We have had a few good LST Bible studies this week. We had a study yesterday with Lili and Laura. It was an incredible discussion about history of the Bible (Passover, etc.) and application to our lives today. We talked a lot about hearing God's "calling" for your lives. Lili is skeptical of Christianity for many reasons. We have been talking with her about how everyone needs to study the Bible to look for absolute truth. We've been talking about how it's impossible to develop a faith based on following one other human being and the only person to follow is Jesus Christ. It has been a blessing to study with Lili. We have two more studies with her next week before we leave. Please pray that the Lord will continue to open the doors of communication between us. Pray that Lili will be open to hear the Lord's calling for her and that someday, she will be able to stand firm in the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and He desires a relationship with her.

Tonight, we have a pre-teen lockin. Yes, a bunch of 9-14 year olds will be under my supervision ALL NIGHT! It's going to be crazy!

After the lockin, Valerie and I will head (without sleep, mind you) straight to rehearsal for the play. Then, tomorrow evening is the event. It's been in the works all summer and I'm excited to see it carried out. Please pray that the message of the play will touch at least one person and that someone may hear what God is trying to tell them.

Sunday is Osvaldo's birthday so we have an all-day celebration with family and friends for that. Perhaps after that, Valerie and I will sleep. Perhaps.

(I don't have pictures uploaded right now, so check back soon for those)

Peace. love. modeling crosses.

Una historia de unas gringitas (A story of some white girls)

Alright, so I'm getting bored with the same old blog posts, so I'm switching it up today. Here is a little story I composed about my experiences yesterday.

There were two gringas who were living in Buenos Aires. They decided to take a day trip to Colonia, Uruguay. They had heard it was a nice little town with several things to see and it could be easily done in one day. They were also looking forward to getting yet another infamous stamp in the ole passport.

The girls boarded the Buquebus at 8:30am. The Buquebus is a large sea vessel that the girls compare to the Titanic. It has several levels. The bottom level is for cars and other vehicles to ride across the water. The 2nd level is for first class and it houses a couple of restaurants and stores. The 3rd level is for the tourist class and the upper deck is used by smokers. It took 3 1/2 hours to get from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Colonia, Uruguay.

Upon getting off the boat, the gringas saw something that caught their eye: golf carts for rent. Since they only had about 4 hours to spend in the town, they decided it would be worth their while to rent a golf cart. Plus, what's more fun than driving around in a foreign place which appears to have no driving laws? The gringas set off in their golf cart for the adventure of a lifetime. After eating lunch, it began to rain. Not a drizzle, not even a sprinkle nor a light rain, but a downpour from the heavens. This little twist of fate made driving all the more interesting for the gringas. They went around looking at the different colonial houses and cobblestone streets. They went to an artisan fair and to look at a couple of docks. By this time, the gringas were completely soaked from walking and driving the golf cart in the rain. They were soaked head to toe, soaked through shoes and socks, and even through wool coats.

The gringas decided they needed some new clothes for the boat ride back. Neither of them were interested in riding 3 1/2 hours in clothes that were beginning to mildew. They located the nearest mall on the map and headed off in the golf cart. The mall was located down the highway from where they currently were. Being the crazy North American tourists they are, the gringas decided, against their better judgment, to drive the golf cart down the highway. So, there they were, hitting a maximum speed of 15mph while all the other cars zoomed past them at about 60mph, smiling and waving like dumb gringas!

Upon reaching the mall, the only affordable clothing store the girls found was actually a grocery store that had an aisle of clothes. After purchasing pants actually made for 7 year old boys, the gringas made their way back to board the Buquebus to return home.

While on the Buquebus, a storm happened, which produced torrential waves. The boat rocked back and forth wildly the entire ride home. One of the gringas (who shall remain nameless) vomited on the Buquebus. There is no better way to draw more attention to a gringa!

Finally, the gringas arrived safely back to Buenos Aires. The day was full of surprises and adventures. And, as the gringas always say here in Buenos Aires: There's never a dull day!

Honesty isn't ALWAYS the best policy...

One thing I've noticed about this culture: they are very honest. I love honesty and consider myself to be a pretty straight-forward person, but I also have something that we in the United States like to call, tact. The people here are VERY complimentary. If they like your hair or your clothes or think you are really pretty, they'll be sure to tell you. However, the same honesty and straightforwardness applies on days when you're not looking so hot. Yesterday, my friends, was one of those days. I'm sick again (this time with a sinus infection). I'll just be honest and tell you that yesterday I was looking a mess. Normally, in the states, when I'm not looking my best, I still have precious friends who tell me I look great (I always know they are lying, but I appreciate the attempt to make me feel better). Yesterday, I told my friend Pedro I was sick, to which he responded, "I can tell". Strike one. Then, he asked me if I had showered that morning. I said no, and he said, "Yes, I can tell. Your hair is very dry". Strike two. I then proceeded to tell him that in the United States, people don't say things like that to each other. He replied, "We are in Argentina." Strike three.

I guess I need to look my best everyday here. FAT CHANCE. What's more realistic is to appreciate that I am close enough to these people for them to be completely honest with me.

In other news, the reality that my time here is coming to an end set in tonight. Next Saturday, we have a special event we're hosting at the church, so the normal Saturday youth Bible study isn't happening. Because of that, tonight was our last Saturday night youth Bible study. We still have Tuesday nights, but tonight marked the end of one of things I have come to love dearly. It also marked the end of soccer. Since we have the special event next Saturday, we will also not be playing soccer afterward. So..I had to accept the fact that tonight was my last time at both of these things I have come to love participating in here. It was sad.

But, I'm thankful that I still have 2 weeks left here, and I plan on making the most of every opportunity in that 2 weeks! There is more to learn, more to teach, and more to share! Praise God!

P.S. I scored the winning goals for my team in two separate matches tonight in soccer. U.S.A!!! haha!

Mas Fotos

Me and Val on the beach
The water was FREEZING
Sunset on the city
I'm a tree hugger...but only palm trees!

MAR DEL PLATA!

I just thought you all might enjoy a few more pics of Mar Del Plata...since I didn't post many last time. Peace.

Yo Amo Buenos Aires!!

So..I hope you enjoy this first picture. We happened upon these shirts on the street today. We are quite possibly the most annoying tourists ever. As if we couldn't get any cheesier, we decided to wear them at the same time, with our hair in pigtails to our cell group tonight. Needless to say, everyone was entertained.

In other news, Valerie and I had a wonderful time in Mar del Plata! We are now back safely in Buenos Aires. Can you believe it? The two crazy gringas made it to a location 6 hours away and back safely all by ourselves? Thanks for the prayers! =)

We did a lot of fun things, but my favorite, by far, was our visit to the cathedral in the city. I walked in and was immediately overcome with emotion. The gothic architecture was completely breathtaking and there was the most glorious organ music playing. I have been in a few different cathedrals here in the past 6 weeks, and I have to say, my heart rejoices every time.

Now, I have always been one who doesn't see the need for ornate decorations or expensive things in the church. Personally, I think the building you meet in doesn't need to be huge or beautifully decorated--that money can often be used for something different. However, I have learned something from the cathedrals. I think, as Protestant Christians, in our quest to simplify and modernize our buildings, we lose a sense of reverence that the Catholic churches have maintained. I feel like our churches are focused on community and making church feel like a house where people can be comfortable and genuine. I think this is so important, don't get me wrong. I love the images of God as Father and best friend and I love going to church with the realization that I'm entering into my home with my family. I'm glad that I can bring my messy self with all of my struggles to my family in the house of God. However, I think too often we forget that this same God has the power to destroy and He determines our eternal dwelling. THAT is a God to fear, a God who deserves our utmost reverence and respect. Being in these cathedrals (where everything is silent and serene and the utmost respect is given to God) has really made me think. Is there a way to create an environment in our churches that harbor both the "home-y" and "holy ground" feels?

Seven-fold Amen?? More like Two-fold.

Well, my friends, it has been an incredible weekend. Let me give you all a quick rundown of what has been going on here in the great city of Buenos Aires since I last posted.

Friday:
In the morning, Valerie and I decided to run back to the house from the church building. It's about 30 or so city blocks, which sounds like a really long way. Val and I figured it was around 4 miles or so, but after running it, I realized that I think it is two miles at most. Not quite as big a feat as I thought it would be, but still a pleasant run.

Well, this was supposed to be our pre-teen lockin. As I have experience time and time again here in South America, most things don't go as planned. Due to illnesses and the end of the semester of school upon them (it's winter here, remember), most of the children were unable to make it. We decided to spend some time eating and playing games with the ones who did show up, but to send them home at 11:00 and postpone the event until the 25th of July. This is the beginning of the children's winter break so more of them are going to be able to attend. I was disappointed that we didn't get to have our event, but I'm looking forward to it in a couple of weeks. I was thankful to spend some time with one of the preteens, Ruth, who ended up spending the night at our house anyways.

Today:
This morning was the funeral for a church member and long-time friend of the family, Carlos Daniel. Valerie and I stayed at home with our sisters while Laura and Osvaldo attended the funeral. The mood in the house is gloomy and it's hard to see my new family grieve for their brother. Please pray for the family and church family of Carlos Daniel. It's going to be a time of deep hurting.

Tonight was one of the weekly youth Bible studies. We tried to sing "The Lord Bless You and Keep You". Boy, do I love this place, but the attempt to sing this song really made me miss good ole ACU. To give you an idea of what it sounded like: there was no bass part, Pedro was singing tenor, I was singing soprano, and Val was singing alto. There were some of the youth singing parts that didn't fit at all. Needless to say, it wasn't the most beautiful thing I'd ever heard, but I know God loved it all the same.

After the Bible study, we played soccer! Val and I were, of course, the only girls who played. Why do we continue to subject ourselves to these kinds of humiliating situations, you ask? My answer to that is "I have no clue". However, we stood our ground along with these machismo Argentine men. I scored a goal, and Val even stepped in as goalie for a bit and blocked about 5 attempts. You should all be proud of your little white girls! =)

After soccer, Valerie and I went with Pedro to McDonalds. We discovered that this was our seventh time at McDonalds since we've been here. It doesn't take a mathematician to know that that averages out to more than once a week. Ashamed? I think not! I gotta tell you..the Cuarto de Libra (quarter pounder) never gets old! We had a wonderful time talking to Pedro about how he ended up here in Argentina doing mission work and really got to know his heart for the people better. It was a blessing to sit and eat my burger and fries with our new best friend!

Well, tomorrow after church, Valerie and I are headed out to Mar del Plata. It is a beach town about 5 1/2 hours from Buenos Aires. We are venturing out into the great unknown by ourselves. I'm sure I will return with hilarious stories and exciting adventures. I'm sure you will all be waiting on the edges of your seats until I return Tuesday night. Pray for us, please!

Well that is all. I'm off to bed...at 2 am! =(

Peace. love. soccer superstars.

A "puzzling" experience

Oh man...sorry for the lame-o title. If I could explain how long I sat pondering all sorts of alliteration-filled titles for this blog, you would be ashamed that I wasted so much of my life on such a meaningless task. I'm sure you are all also ashamed that after all the hours thinking and reflection, I have only been able to summon up this worthless title. Please forgive me, and please continue reading. =)

Last night, I had the blessing of interacting with a little girl, Maya, during our cell group time. She was trying to put together a puzzle on the floor. The puzzle was of the English alphabet with a corresponding animal to each letter. Maya was having a considerable amount of trouble putting the pieces together and me being the future educator that I am just couldn't stand to watch her struggle through it alone. So I sat down on the floor and said, "Puedo ayudarte? (Can I help you)" She nodded her head and gave me a big smile. I didn't want to put it together for her (I mean, I wanted to), but I wanted her to figure it out for herself. I sat down and began to ask her questions about the picture on the box and helped her decide how to recreate it with the pieces on the floor. It was awesome how I was able to communicate through Spanish words, English words, hand gestures, and pictures. Her face when we finished the puzzle was priceless! We went through the different pictures one at a time and she said the animal in Spanish and I said it in English. It was so fun to share our languages with one another and work together to complete a project that would have been simple for two people speaking the same language!

Tonight, I went to a birthday party for Dario. He is definitely one of my favorites here (I know, I shouldn't have favorites, but if you met Dario, you'd know why). Dario is one of the funniest men I know and I only understand about half of what he says. He walks around the church everyday singing at the top of his lungs and dancing with an imaginary partner. He always speaks whatever English he knows to Valerie and I and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Tonight, I was so honored to be able to celebrate his birthday with him. I talked with him for about an hour (all in Spanish...hold your applause, please). We talked about his childhood and how he became a Christian. It was so great to get to know him on a deeper level and to practice my Spanish.

Before I end this blog post, I just wanted to write something I've been thinking a lot about and that has been placed on my heart a lot while I've been here. I've been reading 1 John, which is one of my favorite books of the Bible. I've been reflecting a lot on 1 John 3:16- "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for one another." What is love? It says right here clearly that love is dying to ourselves so that others may live. Is my lifestyle allowing others to fully live? Or am I wrapped up in my selfish desires and wants so much that it cripples others? Am I, through my words and actions, allowing others to experience life to the fullest? This is love. This is God's perfect love.

Caminante, no hay camino

I learned this poem during my Spanish tutoring today and I'd like to share it with all of you. I love it!

Caminante, son tus huellas
el camino, y nada mas;
caminante, no hay camino,
se hace el camino al andar.
Al andar se hace camino,
y al volver la vista atras
se ve la senda que nunca
se ha de volver a pisar.
Caminante, no hay camino,
Sino estelas en la mar.
-Antonio Machado

Translation:
Wanderer, the only way
is your footsteps, there is no other.
Wanderer, there is no way,
you make the way as you go.
As you go, you make the way
and stopping to look behind,
you see the path that your feet
will never travel again.
Wanderer, there is no way—
only foam trails in the sea.

SKADOOSH!

Wow! It has been a wonderful couple of days since the Quincenera--a couple of very tired days, but nonetheless wonderful!

Saturday, we went up to the building to say goodbye to Les, Pat, and Ruth (3 LST workers from Washington) and to welcome Jeff, Tina, Ben, and Kristin (workers from Tennessee). It was a wonderful time of fun and fellowship with old and new friends. Saturday evening, we went to the youth Bible study as normal. We sang "Dios Es Amor" again. It wasn't as beautiful as the first time (everyone got a little bit off key and tempo), but the message still rang loud and clear. I am learning many things this summer, but probably the biggest lesson I am learning is how to love my brothers and sisters. I am learning how to love in the happy times, sad times, times of struggle, and times of great rejoicing--to love unconditionally just as God has loved us.

Last night, we threw a "surprise" party for our friend Pedro here at the house. I say "surprise" because the intention for a surprise was there, but it didn't work out. I guess we haven't quite conquered the language barrier to tell people here that they aren't supposed to BRING the guest of honor with them in a big group. Oh well...it's the thought that counts, right? We had a meal together, ate cake, and went to see Kung Fu Panda. My favorite part of the evening was Pedro's prayer before our meal. He prayed thanking God for his "family" which really meant the group of young people present. I was so overwhelmed with emotion at this moment because his words are true--these people are my family. It is hard to put into words how I feel about these people and this place. It is hard to put such strong emotion into words and make it translate over a blog to all of you. It is an interesting bond you share when you come to a foreign country completely vulnerable to the people there. Not to mention, the relationships we have are ones that involve serious faith issues and praying and struggling together. There are moments of rejoicing, there are moments of lamenting, but we pass through all of them together. There is a mutual desire for spiritual wisdom and growth. It is unlike anything I have ever experienced. This is right where I need to be! Thank you all for helping me get here!

I'd like to end this post with a quote from Henri Nouwen. I had to read In the Name of Jesus for a Maymester class and I found this quote and found it be so relevant to my work here:
"The knowledge of Jesus' heart is a knowledge of the heart. And when we live in this knowledge, we cannot do other than bring healing, reconciliation, new life, and hope wherever we go. The desire to be relevant and successful will gradually disappear, and our only desire will be to say with our whole being to our brothers and sisters of the human race, 'You are loved.'"

Please pray that I will continue to surrender myself to God's plan, that I will rid myself of the desire to be relevant and successful. Please pray that I am able to look my brothers and sisters in the eyes and say, "You are loved" and that I will constantly display that love through my actions.

Can I have a Veintidosenera?

I went to my first Quincenera ever last night! Those of you who know me well, or probably those of you who don't, know that I LOVE birthdays. They are my favorite! I get so excited about everybody's birthday (especially my own) and I love to throw big parties for birthdays! This culture is where I belong. The 15th birthday is the BIG deal. You invite hundreds of guets to the event, you get to wear a wedding dress, you make a grand entrance, you dance with every male in the room, and you eat your weight in food and cake! Let's face it...this is my birthday dream in a nutshell. So, I've decided that since I missed out on the whole Quincenera thing, I'm going to have Veintidosenera next year. =) Better get to work planning that, folks!

One of the activities at the Quincenera was a fireworks show. Since the missionary family is from the United States and the party was on the 4th of July, Debbie decided she wanted to have some fireworks. Needless to say, Valerie and I were excited since we knew we'd be mission our traditional fireworks shows. After we had shot off all the fireworks, three police cars pulled up to the building. Someone from the neighborhood had called the police about some "gunshots" they heard. The police were NOT happy about our fireworks display. They were probably even less happy about the fact that I was snapping pictures of them! =)

On a more serious note, I got to witness a baptism yesterday. A member of the church and good friend of mine, Andres, was baptized yesterday. I knew he had been studying a lot and considering this decision, but I did not realize that I was going to get to share in this special day with him and the other church members. It was such an incredible moment and one of the best things I will remember about this summer! When he came back up out of the water, Andres just sat there for a few moments, unable to move. It was so obvious that he was in awe of God's amazing power and work in his life and I was moved to tears. I met Andres four and a half weeks ago and immediately considered him a friend. It was such a blessing to be invited to share in this special part of his life and to join him on his journey of faith. I am blessed to call him a friend and blessed to call him a brother! Praise God for his decision to walk with Christ and please keep him in your prayers!

Well, that's all for now. More to come soon.

A Taste of the USA

Today, I went to the one and only Starbucks in Argentina! We have walked/ridden past it several times and the line has always been out the door. We've decided every time that it isn't worth it to wait in line just to get Starbucks coffee. Today, however, we went to Starbucks to buy a mug (they say Argentina on them and so we wanted one as a souvenir). If you just buy a mug, you don't have to wait in the long line. But, believe it or not, there was NO LINE! So...we bought our mugs and got to sit down and enjoy a vainilla latte. Valerie ordered a grande and I ordered a tall, but they rang up at the stame price. I tried to ask in Spanish about the price. Turns out they had under-charged Val. I didn't really care about the price, but I wanted to figure it out. So...they told me (in Spanish) that they would go ahead and give me the grande for the same price as the tall since that's what they did for Valerie. I said okay. Instead, they gave me BOTH the tall AND the grande, for the price of only a tall. So...basically, I had a venti size drink, for the price of a tall. Fabulous!

Yesterday, I was reminded once again that the lyrics to the song are in fact true: "It's a small world after all". I met for lunch with two girls I went to high school with. They had been studying in Mendoza, Argentina for six weeks and were in BA for a few days before heading back home. We were able to meet up and have lunch and share our experiences in Argentina with each other. It was so wonderful to have a little taste of home!

In other news, we have our English cell group tonight at this house. This is my favorite night of the week. There are so many different people that come to the house and we share a meal and a Bible study together. These people have become like family to me and I always look forward to growing with them. All the Bible studies we do here each week have been such a blessing to me. I am constantly in the Word by myself and with other people. It is incredible the new things God can show you even through passages you've read a million times when you read them with new people who bring new experiences to the table. Everyone here has a story, and my faith has benefited from listening to those stories. I can only pray that my story has possibly been a blessing to someone else's faith.

That's all for now. I've got to go help get dinner ready for tonight. Enjoy the pics! =)