funny how the last time i wrote we were having strong winds...and here i am beginning another entry starting with the crazyness of the weather.
yesterday was incredibly (and almost unbearably) hot, reaching almost 100 degrees by 4pm and feeling like it would never cool down. the wind was also blowing from the north, meaning that it was hot hot hot. at about 6:oopm a few of us headed off to church. thankfully the church was airconditioned. little did we know what was waiting for us outside when it was all over.
the winds had changed, now the wind was cool, but it was WAY stronger and there was dust and tree branches and garbage blowing everywhere! when we got back to the training center everything was dark....the electricity was out. the wind practically pushed us through the door. we found we'd left one window open in the kitchen and there was a thin layer of dust over just about everything in the room. with the help of candles we made our way to our dark, stuffy bedrooms. as i lay on my bed i was thinking how ironic it was that, though the cool wind was finally blowing outside, there was too much dust blowing around to leave the windows open...and without the electricity the fan wasn't working. thankfully at about 4am the power came back on and my fan blew a nice breath of fresh air into my room....but as the light finally peered in i found that, even though the windows were closed, somehow a thin layer of dust was covering my things...and my throat felt a bit dry from it as well.
it was almost a hundred degrees yesterday....and guess what...today it didn't even reach 70. talk about crazy!!!
this week has been our debriefing week for all those who went on an immersion experience. it has been really good for me. we each had to write a pretty indepth paper of what we went through and what we've learned. i've also had a wonderful opportunity to share all thats been going on to my mentor (she is the Director's wife and a good friend of my family from the States). it's been a rich blessing to unload and to reflect and to be refreshed. there are a few things in my paper i'd like to share as well...but that i will save for another day.
until then...i hope that these windy days stop....
Monday, November 8, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
my thoughts are like this windy day...all over the place
windy...
that's an understatement. today the dust is flying everywhere and the rain clouds are movin' in...a nice day to just stay inside...
my paper is finished...the one i had to write regarding my experience during the immersion. i had three weeks to write it (it's pretty long...46 pages with pictures and graphs), and i know i could've gotten it done awhile ago...but it was difficult to process and reflect. for me it was a little depressing. but in completing the paper i feel a little better about all that took place during my time here. i definitely learned a lot.
now that the paper is finished i can focus on trying to read a book in spanish...yeah we'll see how that goes. i think i can do it, if i make sure my spanish/english dictionary is always with me :). and with this weather the way it is today, maybe i'll actually get some stuff done.
yesterday i visited some of the girls in the bible school that meets here on the same campus. one of the girls had a cold so she was stuck in the room all day. i took the opportunity to introduce her to country music - haha (she couldn't escape :p). she said she liked it, but maybe she was just saying that cuz she couldn't go anywhere else. we even tried to learn how to line dance...but the internet was cutting in and out so that didn't happen. haha I'm slowly but surely bringing the real culture of north america here in this place :).
they have me answering phones in the office this week...hahaha....ok, that can either mean that they think i've advanced in my spanish or they don't think the phone is going to ring very much. either way...i find it hilarious. there really hasn't been very many calls, i think only one official call and then yesterday some students were calling in.
today i get the priviledge of cooking for me and the two guys that just returned today from their immersion in paraguay. if any of you know me at all this is a little out of my comfort zone. i don't consider myself a cook, and often avoid the kitchen. but it seems here that i am being stretched and grown in this area :p. i hope they don't mind spaghetti....
i was feeling a little down this morning, probably because i've spent so much time alone and just need to get out and be active again. i descided to read the psalms. they always seem to help calm my spirit when i'm under a lot of stress. they especially help remind me who is in control. here are some things i'm resting in today:
"Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shielf; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him." (Psalm 28:6-7)
"The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace." (Psalm 29:11)
ok...well off to read my book...
that's an understatement. today the dust is flying everywhere and the rain clouds are movin' in...a nice day to just stay inside...
my paper is finished...the one i had to write regarding my experience during the immersion. i had three weeks to write it (it's pretty long...46 pages with pictures and graphs), and i know i could've gotten it done awhile ago...but it was difficult to process and reflect. for me it was a little depressing. but in completing the paper i feel a little better about all that took place during my time here. i definitely learned a lot.
now that the paper is finished i can focus on trying to read a book in spanish...yeah we'll see how that goes. i think i can do it, if i make sure my spanish/english dictionary is always with me :). and with this weather the way it is today, maybe i'll actually get some stuff done.
yesterday i visited some of the girls in the bible school that meets here on the same campus. one of the girls had a cold so she was stuck in the room all day. i took the opportunity to introduce her to country music - haha (she couldn't escape :p). she said she liked it, but maybe she was just saying that cuz she couldn't go anywhere else. we even tried to learn how to line dance...but the internet was cutting in and out so that didn't happen. haha I'm slowly but surely bringing the real culture of north america here in this place :).
they have me answering phones in the office this week...hahaha....ok, that can either mean that they think i've advanced in my spanish or they don't think the phone is going to ring very much. either way...i find it hilarious. there really hasn't been very many calls, i think only one official call and then yesterday some students were calling in.
today i get the priviledge of cooking for me and the two guys that just returned today from their immersion in paraguay. if any of you know me at all this is a little out of my comfort zone. i don't consider myself a cook, and often avoid the kitchen. but it seems here that i am being stretched and grown in this area :p. i hope they don't mind spaghetti....
i was feeling a little down this morning, probably because i've spent so much time alone and just need to get out and be active again. i descided to read the psalms. they always seem to help calm my spirit when i'm under a lot of stress. they especially help remind me who is in control. here are some things i'm resting in today:
"Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication. The Lord is my strength and my shielf; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him." (Psalm 28:6-7)
"The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace." (Psalm 29:11)
ok...well off to read my book...
Thursday, October 21, 2010
rainbows....
Today the wind is picking up, the clouds are turning a deep black, and the smell of rain is in the air. As I sat here eagerly anticipating a rainstorm (which has yet to materialize) a thought came to me. God has given us a beautiful picture of His grace, mercy, and hope in the midst of storms. When the clouds are at their darkest, he often allows a stream of sunshine to break through...and as the rain is still coming down, a rainbow of radiant and glistening colors comes out to bless us with it's beauty. I think this can be directly connected to those storms of our lives. For, in the midst of our dark storms of life, the learning processes of life, the Lord often allows a sliver of sunshine to break through...something that makes for a beautiful rainbow. He doesn't remove the storm, instead He makes it beautiful.
Yesterday I had one such experience. In the midst of the uncertainties with the family I lived with and having to face my mistakes....I spent the afternoon downtown with my friend Sirley laughing and smiling as we communicated in Spanish and English - amazingly being able to talk about family life, culture, spiritual things, our hopes and dreams, fears and failures, etc. with limited vocabulary. The storm clouds have been pretty dark recently, hovering and overwhelming, but the Lord has caused a sliver of sunshine to come out and it glistens and shines on the jewels of my new friendships here that are raining down blessings amidst those terribly dark clouds.
I love God's special little gifts. They never come exactly how I think they should...no, they always come better..and in such a way that only He can get the glory!
I've been living with a couple here at the training center...and the Lord has also blessed me with a deepening friendship with them as well. Just yesterday the husband (who is a chef) made an asado just for the three of us :) ... let's just say that I'm being blessed, not only with the food (which is wonderful), but also with good fellowship and laughter in the house.
In just a couple weeks I get an opportunity to live out a dream :). Okay, maybe it's silly, but I've always dreampt of living in downtown Portland (but you know how expensive that is!) and haven't ever had the ability to do it. Well, now here, I get to live with two girls from my church in an apartment really close to the main plaza in Dowtown Cordoba. It may not seem that amazing to some, but the Lord has just completely blessed my socks off (haha) by giving me this opportunity for my last month here in Argentina! I can't wait :)
I love rainbows :)
Yesterday I had one such experience. In the midst of the uncertainties with the family I lived with and having to face my mistakes....I spent the afternoon downtown with my friend Sirley laughing and smiling as we communicated in Spanish and English - amazingly being able to talk about family life, culture, spiritual things, our hopes and dreams, fears and failures, etc. with limited vocabulary. The storm clouds have been pretty dark recently, hovering and overwhelming, but the Lord has caused a sliver of sunshine to come out and it glistens and shines on the jewels of my new friendships here that are raining down blessings amidst those terribly dark clouds.
I love God's special little gifts. They never come exactly how I think they should...no, they always come better..and in such a way that only He can get the glory!
I've been living with a couple here at the training center...and the Lord has also blessed me with a deepening friendship with them as well. Just yesterday the husband (who is a chef) made an asado just for the three of us :) ... let's just say that I'm being blessed, not only with the food (which is wonderful), but also with good fellowship and laughter in the house.
In just a couple weeks I get an opportunity to live out a dream :). Okay, maybe it's silly, but I've always dreampt of living in downtown Portland (but you know how expensive that is!) and haven't ever had the ability to do it. Well, now here, I get to live with two girls from my church in an apartment really close to the main plaza in Dowtown Cordoba. It may not seem that amazing to some, but the Lord has just completely blessed my socks off (haha) by giving me this opportunity for my last month here in Argentina! I can't wait :)
I love rainbows :)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
stumbling along....
its difficult to put into words how the lord is moving and changing me...often times i feel like i'm walking through sharp thorns and deep dark valleys as i follow him...but then there are days where, if just for a moment, i get a brief breath of fresh air and a fresh hope for what is to come.
after i wrote my post of frustration regarding where my joy was going, i found myself reflecting on some things. one of which is that i really am learning a lot of good things should God call me to this place. yes, it was super challenging to live with the family, and yes it was a huge surprise and a real sad way to end our relationship when they said they couldn't have me in their house anymore....but in all i learned more from that experience than if they'd continued to say things were "just fine".
here are some valuable things i've learned about the culture (thanks to some of my argentine friends who've opened my eyes to these things):
1. when living in an argentine home...don't assume anything...always ask about what is expected of you and where you should go...because they don't say anything (being an indirect culture they won't out right tell you what they want because it's rude).
2. when someone asks you if you want something don't say yes right away. it is polite that you refuse at least three times before saying yes...this also helped me understand that when i offer something and someone says "no" not to just leave it at that but to actually make sure that was their final answer (because often they really mean yes)...complicated no? haha
3. argentine's value the family. the family normally does just about everything together, and everyone is in everyones business. when i was living with my host family the granddaughter had some homework/project that needed to be accomplished...everyone in the family helped her, and not just gave her advice but actually did some of the project for her. it is also not uncommon for a young person to stay at home until they are married (even if they have a career) and many decisions are made together...not necessarily individually.
4. the argentine people are always telling jokes. with the language barrier i don't usually get a lot of them, but when i do i feel a great deal of success :). they are a people who enjoy joking around and laughing, they enjoy fiestas and will make any excuse to have one :).
I'm sure there is more but that's what i can think of right now.
it's challenging to really fully understand the ins and outs of a culture...and i've cried many nights wondering if i'll ever get it ... i've made so many mistakes. all of what i've learned here has come the hard way, but let's just say this...i'll never forget what i learned :). i know it's all valuable...and will be of help wherever i end up working in the future (i'd really like it to be argentina...but the lord knows).
so...i guess what i'm trying to say is that all those dark days, dark valleys, misunderstandings, and confusion that took place (and will probably still happen as i stumble through the process of learning to live in another culture)...God has really blessed me with some deep insights into a place i hardly knew just a few months ago. i pray that though i stumble often that others would come to know him in a new way...and that somehow the lord would be given the glory through my wanderings.
after i wrote my post of frustration regarding where my joy was going, i found myself reflecting on some things. one of which is that i really am learning a lot of good things should God call me to this place. yes, it was super challenging to live with the family, and yes it was a huge surprise and a real sad way to end our relationship when they said they couldn't have me in their house anymore....but in all i learned more from that experience than if they'd continued to say things were "just fine".
here are some valuable things i've learned about the culture (thanks to some of my argentine friends who've opened my eyes to these things):
1. when living in an argentine home...don't assume anything...always ask about what is expected of you and where you should go...because they don't say anything (being an indirect culture they won't out right tell you what they want because it's rude).
2. when someone asks you if you want something don't say yes right away. it is polite that you refuse at least three times before saying yes...this also helped me understand that when i offer something and someone says "no" not to just leave it at that but to actually make sure that was their final answer (because often they really mean yes)...complicated no? haha
3. argentine's value the family. the family normally does just about everything together, and everyone is in everyones business. when i was living with my host family the granddaughter had some homework/project that needed to be accomplished...everyone in the family helped her, and not just gave her advice but actually did some of the project for her. it is also not uncommon for a young person to stay at home until they are married (even if they have a career) and many decisions are made together...not necessarily individually.
4. the argentine people are always telling jokes. with the language barrier i don't usually get a lot of them, but when i do i feel a great deal of success :). they are a people who enjoy joking around and laughing, they enjoy fiestas and will make any excuse to have one :).
I'm sure there is more but that's what i can think of right now.
it's challenging to really fully understand the ins and outs of a culture...and i've cried many nights wondering if i'll ever get it ... i've made so many mistakes. all of what i've learned here has come the hard way, but let's just say this...i'll never forget what i learned :). i know it's all valuable...and will be of help wherever i end up working in the future (i'd really like it to be argentina...but the lord knows).
so...i guess what i'm trying to say is that all those dark days, dark valleys, misunderstandings, and confusion that took place (and will probably still happen as i stumble through the process of learning to live in another culture)...God has really blessed me with some deep insights into a place i hardly knew just a few months ago. i pray that though i stumble often that others would come to know him in a new way...and that somehow the lord would be given the glory through my wanderings.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
girlfriends....definitely a necessity of life :)
last night i was reminded that we women need each other...a deep need for companionship and someone who understands what it's like to be a girl :)
i had the opportunity to visit my friend Sirley yesterday, she is helping me with my spanish and i am helping her with her english. it's a perfect trade! She and her husband have been great supporters, a real blessing to me when there were times i felt i just couldn't go on. she and i spent hours just chatting, both in english and spanish about girl stuff (you know...boys, dreams, where we are going, our fears, etc.). we laughed a lot and just had fun!
for my birthday (yes...i'm now officially "old" haha...i'm 30!!) a few of my girlfriends from the church put together a party for me! so sweet! i was richly blessed by there generosity...we ate good food, chatted about everything (of course all in spanish ... so a lot of it i listened too ;), and they taught me some fun latin dancing moves :).
after the party i went to one of the girls house to spend the night and we talked for at least an hour and a half about what it's like to be in another culture...and the differences there are in our cultures. we were up until 4am...then at 8am another girl came over and we had breakfast, chatted, made lunch and went out for a little while together....
it's amazing that even with the language barrier we can still connect...God has definitely made us women to be great communicators of friendship, meeting a need in all of us to feel wanted and loved.
thank you Lord for the gift of girlfriends....
L-R: Rohan, Jesi, me, Denise, Ajelyn
i had the opportunity to visit my friend Sirley yesterday, she is helping me with my spanish and i am helping her with her english. it's a perfect trade! She and her husband have been great supporters, a real blessing to me when there were times i felt i just couldn't go on. she and i spent hours just chatting, both in english and spanish about girl stuff (you know...boys, dreams, where we are going, our fears, etc.). we laughed a lot and just had fun!
for my birthday (yes...i'm now officially "old" haha...i'm 30!!) a few of my girlfriends from the church put together a party for me! so sweet! i was richly blessed by there generosity...we ate good food, chatted about everything (of course all in spanish ... so a lot of it i listened too ;), and they taught me some fun latin dancing moves :).
after the party i went to one of the girls house to spend the night and we talked for at least an hour and a half about what it's like to be in another culture...and the differences there are in our cultures. we were up until 4am...then at 8am another girl came over and we had breakfast, chatted, made lunch and went out for a little while together....
it's amazing that even with the language barrier we can still connect...God has definitely made us women to be great communicators of friendship, meeting a need in all of us to feel wanted and loved.
thank you Lord for the gift of girlfriends....
L-R: Rohan, Jesi, me, Denise, Ajelyn
Dami and me...yeah I've got purple hair learning to dance :p haha...
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
am I losing my joy?
I'm generally a pretty happy person, looking at things in the best possible way (you know, the glass half full type person). But recently with the hardships of being here I feel all that slipping away.
Yesterday I just wanted to change my ticket and head home, why? well...let me list my reasons:
1. The family I was staying with no longer wanted me with them (I've never been rejected like this before!!!)
2. I'm "stuck" at the training center where it feels I'm a million miles from what was going so well (at least I thought it was) - the Spanish studies, the bible study, the young people's group, the friends...the ability to explore...etc.
3. I get this feeling like I'm in trouble and have to prove myself all the time...yep I'm thirty years old, I know I should behave a certain way - what is that again? What is a thirty year old supposed to be like?? I feel like such a child here....
4. I miss my family, my indpendence, people who understand me...
blah blah blah blah....
where was the joy and the drive I had in coming here gone? I knew it was go it was going to be hard...why do I feel that things are SO hard?
I've been processing today some things...and one of those is that I'm learning a lot more about myself than I am about the culture...sure I'm learning about the culture, but I'm definitely learning about how I handle (or don't handle) things...and that God is using this time to really deepen my maturity...as humiliating as the process is.
I was reading the book of 1st Peter the other day. I've read it before, but this time it struck me how Peter was calling the faithful believers to authentically live out their lives for Christ....especially in the face of the trials that they were facing. My "trials" are nothing in comparison to theirs, but I was impacted by the words. One of my friends had given me this passage when I needed it a few months ago, and I think I'll share it...if I'm repeating, oh well...it's worth repeating:
As a chosen Priesthood a people set apart for the work of the Lord, Peter reminds us:
Often times the deepest times of struggle or pressure come when the Lord wants to teach me something important. This time around, especially with the family not wanting me anymore, is that when overwhelmed, instead of retreating into myself, I need to press through and in the strength of the Lord communicate and act on what I know is right. I also am learning that just because I trip over myself, the Lord has my hand and will never let me fall headlong.
I'm starting to see the sun through the clouds, or the light at the end of the tunnel....and no I'm not losing my joy...joy is more than feeling good all the time...it's finding strength in the Lord in ALL circumstances.
Yesterday I just wanted to change my ticket and head home, why? well...let me list my reasons:
1. The family I was staying with no longer wanted me with them (I've never been rejected like this before!!!)
2. I'm "stuck" at the training center where it feels I'm a million miles from what was going so well (at least I thought it was) - the Spanish studies, the bible study, the young people's group, the friends...the ability to explore...etc.
3. I get this feeling like I'm in trouble and have to prove myself all the time...yep I'm thirty years old, I know I should behave a certain way - what is that again? What is a thirty year old supposed to be like?? I feel like such a child here....
4. I miss my family, my indpendence, people who understand me...
blah blah blah blah....
where was the joy and the drive I had in coming here gone? I knew it was go it was going to be hard...why do I feel that things are SO hard?
I've been processing today some things...and one of those is that I'm learning a lot more about myself than I am about the culture...sure I'm learning about the culture, but I'm definitely learning about how I handle (or don't handle) things...and that God is using this time to really deepen my maturity...as humiliating as the process is.
I was reading the book of 1st Peter the other day. I've read it before, but this time it struck me how Peter was calling the faithful believers to authentically live out their lives for Christ....especially in the face of the trials that they were facing. My "trials" are nothing in comparison to theirs, but I was impacted by the words. One of my friends had given me this passage when I needed it a few months ago, and I think I'll share it...if I'm repeating, oh well...it's worth repeating:
As a chosen Priesthood a people set apart for the work of the Lord, Peter reminds us:
"..humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To HIM be dominion forever and ever.
(I Peter 5:6-11)
(I Peter 5:6-11)
Often times the deepest times of struggle or pressure come when the Lord wants to teach me something important. This time around, especially with the family not wanting me anymore, is that when overwhelmed, instead of retreating into myself, I need to press through and in the strength of the Lord communicate and act on what I know is right. I also am learning that just because I trip over myself, the Lord has my hand and will never let me fall headlong.
I'm starting to see the sun through the clouds, or the light at the end of the tunnel....and no I'm not losing my joy...joy is more than feeling good all the time...it's finding strength in the Lord in ALL circumstances.
Now to Him Who is able to keep you from stumbling
and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy
to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority,
before all time and now and forever, amen. (Jude 24-25)
and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy
to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority,
before all time and now and forever, amen. (Jude 24-25)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Pensando….
August 19, 2010
I'm sitting on the steps of the cathedral looking out on the Plaza San Martin with its trees and the hustle and bustle of people – wondering where they might be going. Wish I could enjoy this time with someone.
Not sure if I wrote this before, but on one of the streets I walk down, there's a woman who sings (today I wanted to take a picture of her, but didn't have the courage when I had the chance), 99% of the time I've passed her she is singing songs in English (typically oldies songs) – makes me smile every time I hear her.
On every street there are people handing out slips of paper advertising their businesses. If I really wanted an adventure all I'd need to do was pull out the papers that I've stuffed in my pockets or purse (after finding them shoved into my hands) and choose a restaurant or service (like waxing my legs, or taking English classes – saved that one for future job search J, or I could get my future read for me ).
I have been feeling really blessed recently…God keeps opening opportunities for me to make steps in my courage and growth in language learning. He knows for me it's all about connections. The other day – well maybe a month ago – I met a woman who works at or owns a Kiosko (a mini mart of sorts) near my Spanish classes. She also has an exchange student in her home from the States. So I've made a point to regularly visit her when I need cospeles. This week her daughter gave me her email and phone number so we can maybe get together sometime. I was so excited! I've made my first friend outside the church…and in Spanish J.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The things that make this place so special :)
In my daily excursions in the city I see a lot of different things. Here are some things that I see:
Each day, coming and going from the house I use the key that is pictured below. I love this "old fashioned" style of key!
After I leave my house I usually walk about one block to the bus stop. The bus stop is nestled in a neighborhood on a main road. It has many houses close by, a small neighborhood store where you can buy things like soda, toiletries, candy, etc., and a local mechanic shop as well. It doesn't look like much, but it's becoming home to me.
I went and visited a restaurant awhile ago and was surprised when they served us our soft drinks in the wine glasses provided on the table....made me feel so sophisticated :p haha....here's a picture so you can get an idea.
I haven't been able to get a picture yet...hopefully one day. But another thing I usually see when walking downtown is a person (or a server) carrying a platter of steaming hot coffee in little white cups, and sometimes something sweet to eat with it. What makes this unique is that they are carrying it from a local cafe to...another location...usually a business close by, but I never really know.
Argentina has a difficult history, one part of this history happened in the '70s that involved the disppearance of people who were against the government. There is one street I like to walk down, one that is usually quiet...nestled between the church and a government building/museum (two beautiful old buildings) and a cobblestone street. But the history of this particular street is very sad. There are many people who were taken to this particular location (in the government building) and never came out - or were taken to another place and never returned. The sad thing is that the church is right next door. Understanding this history has given me a compassion for these people who have suffered great tragedies in their history, and thankfully are in a time of peace right now. I continue to pray that Christ will become known to these people in a real way.
Of course what makes this place special to me is the people I've come in contact with. I am now involved at a church, in a young women's bible study. There is a woman in this group who is also helping me with my spanish. Not only do I have these people in the church, but I have a family that I'm staying with. If it wasn't for these people, I wouldn't be able to grow in my language learning, nor would I have friends to make this place feel like home. God has richly blessed me with these people.
Well, I know that there is more I could share...but this is a good start :). Cordoba, Argentina is a beautiful place, filled with beautiful people - young, old, those that have, and those that have not, blue eyes, brown eyes, black hair or blonde - all of them are loved by a God who is intimately concerned with every detail of their lives. Please pray for the people of Argentina, that they would come to know their saviour and that the church would increase not only in number, but in depth of understanding of the God that they serve.
Each day, coming and going from the house I use the key that is pictured below. I love this "old fashioned" style of key!
After I leave my house I usually walk about one block to the bus stop. The bus stop is nestled in a neighborhood on a main road. It has many houses close by, a small neighborhood store where you can buy things like soda, toiletries, candy, etc., and a local mechanic shop as well. It doesn't look like much, but it's becoming home to me.
I went and visited a restaurant awhile ago and was surprised when they served us our soft drinks in the wine glasses provided on the table....made me feel so sophisticated :p haha....here's a picture so you can get an idea.
I haven't been able to get a picture yet...hopefully one day. But another thing I usually see when walking downtown is a person (or a server) carrying a platter of steaming hot coffee in little white cups, and sometimes something sweet to eat with it. What makes this unique is that they are carrying it from a local cafe to...another location...usually a business close by, but I never really know.
Argentina has a difficult history, one part of this history happened in the '70s that involved the disppearance of people who were against the government. There is one street I like to walk down, one that is usually quiet...nestled between the church and a government building/museum (two beautiful old buildings) and a cobblestone street. But the history of this particular street is very sad. There are many people who were taken to this particular location (in the government building) and never came out - or were taken to another place and never returned. The sad thing is that the church is right next door. Understanding this history has given me a compassion for these people who have suffered great tragedies in their history, and thankfully are in a time of peace right now. I continue to pray that Christ will become known to these people in a real way.
Of course what makes this place special to me is the people I've come in contact with. I am now involved at a church, in a young women's bible study. There is a woman in this group who is also helping me with my spanish. Not only do I have these people in the church, but I have a family that I'm staying with. If it wasn't for these people, I wouldn't be able to grow in my language learning, nor would I have friends to make this place feel like home. God has richly blessed me with these people.
Well, I know that there is more I could share...but this is a good start :). Cordoba, Argentina is a beautiful place, filled with beautiful people - young, old, those that have, and those that have not, blue eyes, brown eyes, black hair or blonde - all of them are loved by a God who is intimately concerned with every detail of their lives. Please pray for the people of Argentina, that they would come to know their saviour and that the church would increase not only in number, but in depth of understanding of the God that they serve.
Friday, September 3, 2010
ok
Well to all of you who are following my blog I appologize that it has been so long since I´ve written. I don´t have time today, but hopefully soon to post some things, I´m working on a blog of things that I see everyday...I´m sure you´ll enjoy it when it comes out :)
Things have been kinda tough these last few weeks, I´ve been missing home a ton. But God is so faithful and he´s brought great friends into my life and good successes with the language too :)
Okay...more later :) blessings!
Things have been kinda tough these last few weeks, I´ve been missing home a ton. But God is so faithful and he´s brought great friends into my life and good successes with the language too :)
Okay...more later :) blessings!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
....
I don´t think that anyone could ever go thirsty here in Argentina. We´re always drinking something )maté, juice, tea, coffee, soda, beer, wine, etc. I´ve never felt so hydrated in all my life :p jaja. We drink something for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the middle day "snack", and any other time of the day if we´re visiting people ... :)
I just began my classes in the language school...three hours a day, Monday thru Friday. There is one other student with me in the class, so it makes for a great 3 hours...lots of opportunities to talk and ask questions. The other girl in the class is from Austria, she´s been studying spanish for about as long as I have been...5 or 6 months and is in Argentina visiting a friend and trying to increase her understanding...she´ll only be here for a few more weeks, but I hope that we can become good friends!
I´m getting the hang of the bus ... at least the one that i take from my house to the city (which is pretty much a straight shot). A friend of mine commented that she thinks that if you can really get the hang of riding the bus standing up that you should be good at surfing. I think she´s about right...i hate standing in the bus cuz it jerks around so much, and you have to work hard to be study on your feet, but sometimes you just have to. There are days too that everyone is squeezed really tight in the bus and its difficult to move from one place to the other...especially when your stop comes and you have to get out the back door...kinda tricky (but nothing like I experienced in the train in Buenos Aires). Here buses are called "collectivos" and the coins we use to get in the bus are called "cospelas" (they cost 2 pesos each so about 50 cents approx.). I don´t know if other areas use cospelas (cuz I know they don´t in Buenos Aires), but its kinda nice not to have to worry about the right amount of change.
I´ve been reading up on some of Argentine´s history...especially during the ´70s where the life here was really volatile and scary. People who disagreed with the government often disappeared and many significant people were assassinated. It all became quite awful between 1973 and 1983 in what is now called the "Dirty War" (if you want to know more, you can look it up for more details). During this time between 10,000 and 30,000 people disappeared and/or were murdered for being on the wrong side (I believe it was the "right" side). Today things are much better, but this time left a huge wound on the country, a wound that is still trying to heal. It really opened my eyes to why most people here do not trust their government and have a fear for their security.
I´m still enjoying my time here, though I´m finding I´m really tired a lot! I´m having to push myself in the language and in adventuring out more, so it makes for really exhausting days. But the Lord has richly blessed me with opportunities to speak English with native speakers and to just share how I´m doing...so I don´t feel completely overwhelmed or alone. Every day has its challenges and its rewards, and nothing around here comes easily, and usually you have to wait and be patient, but overall God is showing me how to trust in His daily plans and His desire for me in this place.
I just began my classes in the language school...three hours a day, Monday thru Friday. There is one other student with me in the class, so it makes for a great 3 hours...lots of opportunities to talk and ask questions. The other girl in the class is from Austria, she´s been studying spanish for about as long as I have been...5 or 6 months and is in Argentina visiting a friend and trying to increase her understanding...she´ll only be here for a few more weeks, but I hope that we can become good friends!
I´m getting the hang of the bus ... at least the one that i take from my house to the city (which is pretty much a straight shot). A friend of mine commented that she thinks that if you can really get the hang of riding the bus standing up that you should be good at surfing. I think she´s about right...i hate standing in the bus cuz it jerks around so much, and you have to work hard to be study on your feet, but sometimes you just have to. There are days too that everyone is squeezed really tight in the bus and its difficult to move from one place to the other...especially when your stop comes and you have to get out the back door...kinda tricky (but nothing like I experienced in the train in Buenos Aires). Here buses are called "collectivos" and the coins we use to get in the bus are called "cospelas" (they cost 2 pesos each so about 50 cents approx.). I don´t know if other areas use cospelas (cuz I know they don´t in Buenos Aires), but its kinda nice not to have to worry about the right amount of change.
I´ve been reading up on some of Argentine´s history...especially during the ´70s where the life here was really volatile and scary. People who disagreed with the government often disappeared and many significant people were assassinated. It all became quite awful between 1973 and 1983 in what is now called the "Dirty War" (if you want to know more, you can look it up for more details). During this time between 10,000 and 30,000 people disappeared and/or were murdered for being on the wrong side (I believe it was the "right" side). Today things are much better, but this time left a huge wound on the country, a wound that is still trying to heal. It really opened my eyes to why most people here do not trust their government and have a fear for their security.
I´m still enjoying my time here, though I´m finding I´m really tired a lot! I´m having to push myself in the language and in adventuring out more, so it makes for really exhausting days. But the Lord has richly blessed me with opportunities to speak English with native speakers and to just share how I´m doing...so I don´t feel completely overwhelmed or alone. Every day has its challenges and its rewards, and nothing around here comes easily, and usually you have to wait and be patient, but overall God is showing me how to trust in His daily plans and His desire for me in this place.
Friday, July 23, 2010
short stories...
McDonalds:
i'm not really a McDonald's fan...but I had my first opportunity to go to one in Buenos Aires...so I thought I'd try the burgers. I was hungry, and not really knowing the sizes of the hamburgers ordered the largest one I saw on the board...in the states this would be no problem, cuz usually the size on the board really isn't the size of the actual hamburger. However, here its different...the hamburger was huge and the burger itself was - well, dry - and you had to add your own ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise...the drinks were smaller (funny eh?) and the fries were the same (can't have a McDonald's without the real fries). Interesting to say the least...
Boats:
So I had to go to Uruguay in order to renew my visa (just a "quick" hop over the boarderfrom Buenos Aires in order to get a stamp in my passport that says "tourist" so I can stay for another 3 months). It turned out to be a bit more work than I'd anticipated. I had NO idea where to go or what to do...but a quick phone call to a friend who'd done it before helped me tons. I bought passage on a boat that would cross over to Uruguay Thursday morning at 9:30am. I took my friend with me (her first time ever going into another country - she's from Argentina). Having never taken a boat before we weren't sure how things worked - this was evident when we arrived ten minutes before departure and were told we couldn't get on our boat....frustrating? yeah, just a little. After buying passage for the first half of our trip (again)...and waiting for two hours...we headed to Uruguay (a great place to visit if you ever want to go). The boat trip only took us one hour the first time...three hours to return (the boat was slower aparently haha). both ships had restuarants and a little shop for suveniers. The secon boat had a full on archade. Quite the experience for just one day in Uruguay, but I have to say all the waiting was worth it when we finally got to sit on the sandy "beach" looking out on the ocean and marveling at a beautiful and fairly warm day (that soon turned into a freezing day cuz, well its winter here).
3am Pizza:
So, I'm not very good at planning...when trying to return to Cordoba (after my wonderful adventure the day before to Uruguay)...okay, it was 2am should've known that there wouldn't be any tickets then... though there was a bus leaving it was full ... so not being able to decide what to do (cuz I really didn't want to go anyway)....my friend Sabrina, myself, her brother, and a friend from church decided to tour the city. One of my favorite adventures of all time! I've decided I'm very much a night person :) ...after seeing the oldest tree in Buenos Aires (older than the city itself), passing by a really cool cemetary for wealthy people, walking through a shopping center full of beautiful things...we ate pizza at a "country bar" ... I think it was called Montana something at 3am. I've never done that before...I'm sure there is somewhere in Portland that is open that late...but this is really common here. We didn't get back to the house until 5am .... and though I was exhausted, I wouldn't have traded the poor planning for anything...
okay gotta run...more stories to come later...
i'm not really a McDonald's fan...but I had my first opportunity to go to one in Buenos Aires...so I thought I'd try the burgers. I was hungry, and not really knowing the sizes of the hamburgers ordered the largest one I saw on the board...in the states this would be no problem, cuz usually the size on the board really isn't the size of the actual hamburger. However, here its different...the hamburger was huge and the burger itself was - well, dry - and you had to add your own ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise...the drinks were smaller (funny eh?) and the fries were the same (can't have a McDonald's without the real fries). Interesting to say the least...
Boats:
So I had to go to Uruguay in order to renew my visa (just a "quick" hop over the boarderfrom Buenos Aires in order to get a stamp in my passport that says "tourist" so I can stay for another 3 months). It turned out to be a bit more work than I'd anticipated. I had NO idea where to go or what to do...but a quick phone call to a friend who'd done it before helped me tons. I bought passage on a boat that would cross over to Uruguay Thursday morning at 9:30am. I took my friend with me (her first time ever going into another country - she's from Argentina). Having never taken a boat before we weren't sure how things worked - this was evident when we arrived ten minutes before departure and were told we couldn't get on our boat....frustrating? yeah, just a little. After buying passage for the first half of our trip (again)...and waiting for two hours...we headed to Uruguay (a great place to visit if you ever want to go). The boat trip only took us one hour the first time...three hours to return (the boat was slower aparently haha). both ships had restuarants and a little shop for suveniers. The secon boat had a full on archade. Quite the experience for just one day in Uruguay, but I have to say all the waiting was worth it when we finally got to sit on the sandy "beach" looking out on the ocean and marveling at a beautiful and fairly warm day (that soon turned into a freezing day cuz, well its winter here).
3am Pizza:
So, I'm not very good at planning...when trying to return to Cordoba (after my wonderful adventure the day before to Uruguay)...okay, it was 2am should've known that there wouldn't be any tickets then... though there was a bus leaving it was full ... so not being able to decide what to do (cuz I really didn't want to go anyway)....my friend Sabrina, myself, her brother, and a friend from church decided to tour the city. One of my favorite adventures of all time! I've decided I'm very much a night person :) ...after seeing the oldest tree in Buenos Aires (older than the city itself), passing by a really cool cemetary for wealthy people, walking through a shopping center full of beautiful things...we ate pizza at a "country bar" ... I think it was called Montana something at 3am. I've never done that before...I'm sure there is somewhere in Portland that is open that late...but this is really common here. We didn't get back to the house until 5am .... and though I was exhausted, I wouldn't have traded the poor planning for anything...
okay gotta run...more stories to come later...
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Adventures in Spanish....
this weekend, well really the last two weeks, have been quite a language adventure. today i am extremely exhausted, but i feel like i´ve made great strides from where i was to where i am now...
two weeks ago i moved in with my new family. lets just say that has been an adventure in and of itself. they are quite an italian family...so personalities and how they talk are a lot stronger than what i´m used to in my own home. i live in a small two bedroom one bath apartment with five other people, with a dog and a cat. this family loves football (soccer) so i´m getting educated in the World Cup (sadly Argentina didn´t make it to the finals)...and they watch novellas...basically soap operas (haha...language learning right ?). all in all very good experience so far...
my first week with the family was really rough...i don´t know the bus system and i wanted desperately to get out, but the family is extremely busy so i couldn´t just wait for them to help me out. i tried getting together with one girlfriend .... but the day we were to get together ... she was sick. so...my host brother kindly offered to wander the city with me. it was a long beautiful day and i felt extremely blessed. i also made a solo adventure of walking the ten or twelve blocks to wal-mart on my own...just to get out of the house. who knew that a trip to wal-mart could help so much haha.
this past weekend was especially exciting...i spent friday and saturday with a girlfriend in the city...speaking in pretty much only spanish. we event went and saw a movie (Eclipse for all of you New Moon fanatics) totally in Spanish (no subtitles because the ones with subtitles were at a later time). it was interesting. i watched Argentina lose to the Netherlands....but what an experience :) going to an argentine home to compartir as they say ...
then...i went to Paraná, six hours north of Cordoba with my host mom, daughter, and granddaughter. another beautiful adventure! check the place out online...its beautiful! it has a large river and is filled with art, artists, poets, and a beautiful history. its also a city much more calm and quiet than Cordoba and a place i want to go to again.
spanish spanish spanish...wow...is it really happening, my entire experience so far has been in spanish...hardly a word of English. i´m exhausted...but what a great feeling!
soon i hope to post more pictures so you can see what i see :)
two weeks ago i moved in with my new family. lets just say that has been an adventure in and of itself. they are quite an italian family...so personalities and how they talk are a lot stronger than what i´m used to in my own home. i live in a small two bedroom one bath apartment with five other people, with a dog and a cat. this family loves football (soccer) so i´m getting educated in the World Cup (sadly Argentina didn´t make it to the finals)...and they watch novellas...basically soap operas (haha...language learning right ?). all in all very good experience so far...
my first week with the family was really rough...i don´t know the bus system and i wanted desperately to get out, but the family is extremely busy so i couldn´t just wait for them to help me out. i tried getting together with one girlfriend .... but the day we were to get together ... she was sick. so...my host brother kindly offered to wander the city with me. it was a long beautiful day and i felt extremely blessed. i also made a solo adventure of walking the ten or twelve blocks to wal-mart on my own...just to get out of the house. who knew that a trip to wal-mart could help so much haha.
this past weekend was especially exciting...i spent friday and saturday with a girlfriend in the city...speaking in pretty much only spanish. we event went and saw a movie (Eclipse for all of you New Moon fanatics) totally in Spanish (no subtitles because the ones with subtitles were at a later time). it was interesting. i watched Argentina lose to the Netherlands....but what an experience :) going to an argentine home to compartir as they say ...
then...i went to Paraná, six hours north of Cordoba with my host mom, daughter, and granddaughter. another beautiful adventure! check the place out online...its beautiful! it has a large river and is filled with art, artists, poets, and a beautiful history. its also a city much more calm and quiet than Cordoba and a place i want to go to again.
spanish spanish spanish...wow...is it really happening, my entire experience so far has been in spanish...hardly a word of English. i´m exhausted...but what a great feeling!
soon i hope to post more pictures so you can see what i see :)
Sunday, June 20, 2010
random thoughts at 2am
its almost two in the morning and I can't sleep. So many things running through my mind.
i'm halfway through my time here and as i look back i realize that i've grown a ton. God is amazing!
language is a huge part of why i'm here and i rejoice in the big and small successes that i have. but...i'm not just here to learn a culture and language...i'm here because my God called me to seek a deeper relationship with him. you know, as a "missionary" or whatever it is you want to call me :), you'd think that i would have this part of my journey down-pat...haha...far from it. i have spent three agonizing days feeling alone and depressed, and though the thought kept coming that i should spend some time with the Lord...i kept on going without stopping to sit at the feet of my Lord. today i went to church, i didn't understand any of the sermon, and i knew only a handfull of songs...but the holy spirit seemed to refresh my spirit somehow making me realize how important it is to spend time with my Lord...especially in this place where i need him more than ever.
nothing is ever easy in a foreign country.just when you think you've understood something...you realize that you really didn't. one day you can wash your clothes no problem and the next all the washing machines on campus are not working. one day the food is really good and the next, though you eat everything on your plate, you're left wanting. time is something i thought i understood, and then realized recently that i really don't understand it here. i rush to get ready to go and come to find that i still have a half hour to an hour to get ready(or wait if i'm already prepared to go)...or at times when i think i have a good amount of time...i really don't. relationships are also funny things...if you think having a guy girl relationship in the states is hard, try communicating to a guy friend here that you aren't interested in being anything more than friends...with limited spanish...lets just say he still doesn't get it :p
four months ago i had to have just about everything translated for me...now i can follow the main idea of conversations - depending on the topic and of course how fast they talk. four months ago i started learning songs in spanish...i loved singing them, but really didn't understand the full content...today at church i sang a song and suddenly the light went on! i knew exactly what the words were saying (well...at least in the first part and most of the second). i now have words that i can use to speak too...and i'm getting more and more confident in speaking. God is amazing!
here is the song i learned:
Cantaré de Tu Amor
Por mucho tiempo busque
una razón de vivir (I spent a lot of time looking for a reason for living)
en medio de mil preguntas
tu amor me respondio (In the midst of my thousands of questions, your love responded)
y ahora veo la luz (and now I see the light)
y ya no tengo temor (and I no longer have fear)
tu reino vino a mi vida (you reign in my life)
y ahora vivo para ti (and now I live for you)
Cantaré de tu amor (I sing of your love)
Rendiré mi corazón ante ti (I surrender my heart before you)
Tú serás mi pasión (You will be my passion)
y mi pasos me guiran hasta Tí (and you will guide my steps)
mi Jesús y mi Rey (my Jesus and my King)
de tu gran amore cantaré (your great love I sing)
I share this song because suddenly its meant a lot to me...it speaks of where I've been and where I'm going and why. It has little to do with adventures or new interesting places, but more to do with a life passionately following after the love that found me...and feeling a need to share it wherever I go.
anyway just some random thoughts at 2am ... maybe they make sense maybe they don't...soon I will be moving in with an argentine family...i think i'll have a lot more things to write about :) goodnight..or should i say..goodmorning?
i'm halfway through my time here and as i look back i realize that i've grown a ton. God is amazing!
language is a huge part of why i'm here and i rejoice in the big and small successes that i have. but...i'm not just here to learn a culture and language...i'm here because my God called me to seek a deeper relationship with him. you know, as a "missionary" or whatever it is you want to call me :), you'd think that i would have this part of my journey down-pat...haha...far from it. i have spent three agonizing days feeling alone and depressed, and though the thought kept coming that i should spend some time with the Lord...i kept on going without stopping to sit at the feet of my Lord. today i went to church, i didn't understand any of the sermon, and i knew only a handfull of songs...but the holy spirit seemed to refresh my spirit somehow making me realize how important it is to spend time with my Lord...especially in this place where i need him more than ever.
nothing is ever easy in a foreign country.just when you think you've understood something...you realize that you really didn't. one day you can wash your clothes no problem and the next all the washing machines on campus are not working. one day the food is really good and the next, though you eat everything on your plate, you're left wanting. time is something i thought i understood, and then realized recently that i really don't understand it here. i rush to get ready to go and come to find that i still have a half hour to an hour to get ready(or wait if i'm already prepared to go)...or at times when i think i have a good amount of time...i really don't. relationships are also funny things...if you think having a guy girl relationship in the states is hard, try communicating to a guy friend here that you aren't interested in being anything more than friends...with limited spanish...lets just say he still doesn't get it :p
four months ago i had to have just about everything translated for me...now i can follow the main idea of conversations - depending on the topic and of course how fast they talk. four months ago i started learning songs in spanish...i loved singing them, but really didn't understand the full content...today at church i sang a song and suddenly the light went on! i knew exactly what the words were saying (well...at least in the first part and most of the second). i now have words that i can use to speak too...and i'm getting more and more confident in speaking. God is amazing!
here is the song i learned:
Cantaré de Tu Amor
Por mucho tiempo busque
una razón de vivir (I spent a lot of time looking for a reason for living)
en medio de mil preguntas
tu amor me respondio (In the midst of my thousands of questions, your love responded)
y ahora veo la luz (and now I see the light)
y ya no tengo temor (and I no longer have fear)
tu reino vino a mi vida (you reign in my life)
y ahora vivo para ti (and now I live for you)
Cantaré de tu amor (I sing of your love)
Rendiré mi corazón ante ti (I surrender my heart before you)
Tú serás mi pasión (You will be my passion)
y mi pasos me guiran hasta Tí (and you will guide my steps)
mi Jesús y mi Rey (my Jesus and my King)
de tu gran amore cantaré (your great love I sing)
I share this song because suddenly its meant a lot to me...it speaks of where I've been and where I'm going and why. It has little to do with adventures or new interesting places, but more to do with a life passionately following after the love that found me...and feeling a need to share it wherever I go.
anyway just some random thoughts at 2am ... maybe they make sense maybe they don't...soon I will be moving in with an argentine family...i think i'll have a lot more things to write about :) goodnight..or should i say..goodmorning?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
*click*
Roommates! 
the students
(back rowL-R: Freddy (Peru), me, Paulina (El Salvador), Veronica (Argentina), Juan Nestor (Peru), front row L-R: Lander, Willy, Douglas (Bolivia) )
Empanadas with a Bolivian family that live next door to our campus
Sunday, May 30, 2010
hay agua....no hay luz....hay luz....no hay agua
We've been having some interesting adjustments around here...or maybe I should say I'm having some interesting adjustments around here. How do I explain this? One day looked like this:
We didn't have water
We had water but then had no electricity
We didn't have water but we had electricity
Finally we had both together for a brief time
Then we lost both alltogether
Then we ran out of gas (no hot water)
Now the water is back...the electricity is back...and we have gas (though the water is tepid at best)
fun times? Not sure. Its definitely something you just have to laugh over...otherwise you'll just cry all the time...and thats just not okay :p
Each week has its challenges, and this is only one of them. Its like we say: If its not one thing, its another. Its definitely character building.
Last night I went to bed with a crazy headache from the constant Spanish throughout the week and so exhausted I couldn't even cry though I totally felt like it. My roommates (both Argentine with no English) decided to stay up talking until 1 or 2 in the morning. I wanted to join them, but my head hurt too much. Frustrated? yes! Yo estoy muy frustrada porque entiendo mucho, pero no hablo much en espanol....entonses no puedo expresarme in espanol!!! (I am very frustrated because I can understand a lot, but I can't speak very much in Spanish, so I can't express myself in Spanish. Adjustments/flexibility.
Though I'm totally at peace and extremely excited that I'm here...there are days that I wish I could just hide away and not hear Spanish for awhile. Even in my dreams I hear Spanish (apparently thats a good thing :p)
While I'm adjusting here...I'm also aware that a LOT is happening at home! Last week my little sister announced her engagement!! So happy for her and Collin! At the same time my dear friends who've been helping me along, headed home. Along with all of this I found my host family and am in the process of preparing for four months of super intense :p language learning, as they don't know English at all. At the same time as all of this I found out that my friends had their baby, another friend is pregnant, more weddings and changes of lives. I am also anticipating the ending of one phase of my time here (the CCMT portion) and the saying of goodbyes to all my new friends...needless to say its been a whirlwind of 2 weeks.
Who knew that me, the one who hates to miss out on things, who hates to say goodbye, who likes to build deep relationships with people, is the one that has been called to do these very things on a much too regular basis. Adjustments.
whew! Talk about challenging! But I am reminded: I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! And there is nothing that can seperate me from His love :) Praise the Lord I'm not doing this on my own and that there is at least one constant in my life :)
We didn't have water
We had water but then had no electricity
We didn't have water but we had electricity
Finally we had both together for a brief time
Then we lost both alltogether
Then we ran out of gas (no hot water)
Now the water is back...the electricity is back...and we have gas (though the water is tepid at best)
fun times? Not sure. Its definitely something you just have to laugh over...otherwise you'll just cry all the time...and thats just not okay :p
Each week has its challenges, and this is only one of them. Its like we say: If its not one thing, its another. Its definitely character building.
Last night I went to bed with a crazy headache from the constant Spanish throughout the week and so exhausted I couldn't even cry though I totally felt like it. My roommates (both Argentine with no English) decided to stay up talking until 1 or 2 in the morning. I wanted to join them, but my head hurt too much. Frustrated? yes! Yo estoy muy frustrada porque entiendo mucho, pero no hablo much en espanol....entonses no puedo expresarme in espanol!!! (I am very frustrated because I can understand a lot, but I can't speak very much in Spanish, so I can't express myself in Spanish. Adjustments/flexibility.
Though I'm totally at peace and extremely excited that I'm here...there are days that I wish I could just hide away and not hear Spanish for awhile. Even in my dreams I hear Spanish (apparently thats a good thing :p)
While I'm adjusting here...I'm also aware that a LOT is happening at home! Last week my little sister announced her engagement!! So happy for her and Collin! At the same time my dear friends who've been helping me along, headed home. Along with all of this I found my host family and am in the process of preparing for four months of super intense :p language learning, as they don't know English at all. At the same time as all of this I found out that my friends had their baby, another friend is pregnant, more weddings and changes of lives. I am also anticipating the ending of one phase of my time here (the CCMT portion) and the saying of goodbyes to all my new friends...needless to say its been a whirlwind of 2 weeks.
Who knew that me, the one who hates to miss out on things, who hates to say goodbye, who likes to build deep relationships with people, is the one that has been called to do these very things on a much too regular basis. Adjustments.
whew! Talk about challenging! But I am reminded: I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! And there is nothing that can seperate me from His love :) Praise the Lord I'm not doing this on my own and that there is at least one constant in my life :)
Thursday, May 20, 2010
A dream come true
there are a lot of days that i sit here wondering if this is really happening...am i really here? then i look around me and realize that yes, its true, i am here.
several years ago i'd dreamed of going to another country and studying...i wanted to experience another world like the exchange students we had in our home had been able to do...but for whatever reason it never happened. now here i am writing this blog in argentina thousands of miles from home, studying spanish, experiencing new things almost every day, and my heart beats faster as i realize that God has totally made a dream come true for me.
in a few weeks i will leave the campus of ccmt and move into a small two bedroom house with an argentine family. it'll be cozy, probably sometimes difficult, but one i am really looking forward to. the family doesn't speak english...i think the son does a little, but the rest of the family does not (perfect for my immersion experience) i am hoping this will really push my spanish learning process. they told me they enjoy going to soccer games often, they want to take me to see different parts of argentina, they want to teach me to cook and enjoy the foods of argentina...and they want to help me be a part of their family while i'm here! i feel so incredibly blessed!
now don't think that i'm totally brave and ready for this...i am still very nervous. but, unlike the other times i have gone overseas, i feel a lot more confident and prepared for this new challenge - i know i can do it through Christ who gives me strength!
thank you Lord for this new opportunity to grow and be changed!
several years ago i'd dreamed of going to another country and studying...i wanted to experience another world like the exchange students we had in our home had been able to do...but for whatever reason it never happened. now here i am writing this blog in argentina thousands of miles from home, studying spanish, experiencing new things almost every day, and my heart beats faster as i realize that God has totally made a dream come true for me.
in a few weeks i will leave the campus of ccmt and move into a small two bedroom house with an argentine family. it'll be cozy, probably sometimes difficult, but one i am really looking forward to. the family doesn't speak english...i think the son does a little, but the rest of the family does not (perfect for my immersion experience) i am hoping this will really push my spanish learning process. they told me they enjoy going to soccer games often, they want to take me to see different parts of argentina, they want to teach me to cook and enjoy the foods of argentina...and they want to help me be a part of their family while i'm here! i feel so incredibly blessed!
now don't think that i'm totally brave and ready for this...i am still very nervous. but, unlike the other times i have gone overseas, i feel a lot more confident and prepared for this new challenge - i know i can do it through Christ who gives me strength!
thank you Lord for this new opportunity to grow and be changed!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Leadership....Churches....Challenges
Wow, it really has been awhile since I've written in here...sorry to all of you who check this regularly. God has really been working in my heart these last couple weeks, placing me in situations that are super uncomfortable for me, but incredibly important for growth.
Last week I was the leader of the Kitchen. So what does that mean? Well, it means I go with the leader to get the food (thankfully he created the menu, so I just went shopping), I organize my team, help make the food, and make sure we have enough of everything. There was some struggle to communicate my role and what I felt should be done (with the language and all), but my biggest thing was getting over myself. My insecurities in the kitchen and what people thought of me...and of course the language. It was a challenge to say the least. A highlight of the week was Pancakes for dinner Saturday night....I was happy, but I think that it wasn't really a "normal" or favorite of the guys...they weren't in a hurry to get seconds :p. I'm finding that if you want to make these guys happy at meal time, you always have to have rice haha.
This week I transitioned into the leader of the entire group. I have a lot more peace about this role than the other one. God is showing me where my strengths and weaknesses are...my strengths are in praying and encouraging the team to get to know each other. My weaknesses is in coordinating big events with the kitchen. One of the guys had a birthday this week...thankfully I have a strong kitchen leader this week...so she took much of the responsibility. Tonight I am planning a game night! I want us to actually enjoy each other :p ... I think we're getting there ...there is a lot more conversation at the dinner table and people are laughing more :) I'm going to miss this group.
God is working on me...its a long hard road, I often feel like crying because I have to push through so much personal insecurities and struggles. But I know that I am getting stronger and my relationship with the Lord is deepening.
I surprise myself sometimes :) ... this last Sunday I helped lead worship with one of the guys at a local church and later I shared my testimony (a few sentences in Spanish and the rest in English). God is blessing me with moments of boldness haha...and I am speaking a lot more than I was before. What a joy to know I'm able to communicate myself sometimes :).
This week isn't over yet..still more leading to do....I am grateful for a faithful God who gaurds my coming and going, and holds me firmly in His hand.
Last week I was the leader of the Kitchen. So what does that mean? Well, it means I go with the leader to get the food (thankfully he created the menu, so I just went shopping), I organize my team, help make the food, and make sure we have enough of everything. There was some struggle to communicate my role and what I felt should be done (with the language and all), but my biggest thing was getting over myself. My insecurities in the kitchen and what people thought of me...and of course the language. It was a challenge to say the least. A highlight of the week was Pancakes for dinner Saturday night....I was happy, but I think that it wasn't really a "normal" or favorite of the guys...they weren't in a hurry to get seconds :p. I'm finding that if you want to make these guys happy at meal time, you always have to have rice haha.
This week I transitioned into the leader of the entire group. I have a lot more peace about this role than the other one. God is showing me where my strengths and weaknesses are...my strengths are in praying and encouraging the team to get to know each other. My weaknesses is in coordinating big events with the kitchen. One of the guys had a birthday this week...thankfully I have a strong kitchen leader this week...so she took much of the responsibility. Tonight I am planning a game night! I want us to actually enjoy each other :p ... I think we're getting there ...there is a lot more conversation at the dinner table and people are laughing more :) I'm going to miss this group.
God is working on me...its a long hard road, I often feel like crying because I have to push through so much personal insecurities and struggles. But I know that I am getting stronger and my relationship with the Lord is deepening.
I surprise myself sometimes :) ... this last Sunday I helped lead worship with one of the guys at a local church and later I shared my testimony (a few sentences in Spanish and the rest in English). God is blessing me with moments of boldness haha...and I am speaking a lot more than I was before. What a joy to know I'm able to communicate myself sometimes :).
This week isn't over yet..still more leading to do....I am grateful for a faithful God who gaurds my coming and going, and holds me firmly in His hand.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Struggle to communicate or others will be left wanting
The Lord gave me a beautiful day on Monday. I spent a couple of hours soaking in the sun, reading the book of John, listening to worship music, and praying. I felt so encouraged and rested! It was beautiful.
In the midst of this rest, the Lord prompted me that the week was going to be difficult. I wasn't really sure what that meant, though I kind of thought it might have something to do with relationships on the team...and I was right.
Beginning Monday night and into Tuesday the Holy Spirit started working. I didn't sleep much as I thought about some issues we were having as a team. I looked at what we were doing and felt strongly that something was missing. I didn't just come here to learn how to cook meals, or to work hard mowing lawns, or to take good classes...I came here to grow as a person and I felt that our team was doing well at all the things I listed, except really authenticaly living together (Col. 3:12-17). The Lord wouldn't let me think on anything else...and for two nights and a siesta in the afternoon I couldn't sleep. I knew what the Lord wanted me to do...and a part of me was fighting it...why me?....why me, the one with the language barrier, why do I have to speak? But again, he wouldn't let me go. So finally on Wednesday night I shared my heart with the students. It went very well...but it is only the beginning of what God is teaching me.
If I don't speak, if I don't share what I observe or feel, I am robbing the other person of my giftings...robbing them of the opportunity to grow....and vise versa, if I don't allow them to share with me then I am robbing myself of potential growth and blessing.
Its a hard lesson to learn...and its uncomfortable...but may the Lord be glorified as we continue to seek His higher purpose in our lives and work through our difficulties and our pain so that we might be able to experience growth and healing.
In the midst of this rest, the Lord prompted me that the week was going to be difficult. I wasn't really sure what that meant, though I kind of thought it might have something to do with relationships on the team...and I was right.
Beginning Monday night and into Tuesday the Holy Spirit started working. I didn't sleep much as I thought about some issues we were having as a team. I looked at what we were doing and felt strongly that something was missing. I didn't just come here to learn how to cook meals, or to work hard mowing lawns, or to take good classes...I came here to grow as a person and I felt that our team was doing well at all the things I listed, except really authenticaly living together (Col. 3:12-17). The Lord wouldn't let me think on anything else...and for two nights and a siesta in the afternoon I couldn't sleep. I knew what the Lord wanted me to do...and a part of me was fighting it...why me?....why me, the one with the language barrier, why do I have to speak? But again, he wouldn't let me go. So finally on Wednesday night I shared my heart with the students. It went very well...but it is only the beginning of what God is teaching me.
If I don't speak, if I don't share what I observe or feel, I am robbing the other person of my giftings...robbing them of the opportunity to grow....and vise versa, if I don't allow them to share with me then I am robbing myself of potential growth and blessing.
Its a hard lesson to learn...and its uncomfortable...but may the Lord be glorified as we continue to seek His higher purpose in our lives and work through our difficulties and our pain so that we might be able to experience growth and healing.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
las arañas, las naranjas, la cosina, y evangelismo
Language is a funny thing. There are many times it is challenging and brings me to tears, but then there are other times that it makes me laugh.
Last Saturday my friend Heather and I were given the job of moving a pile of wood and rocks from one location to another. In the process we saw a scorpion and some massive spiders! Now, in Spanish the name for a spider is araña...and in an effort to practice my Spanish I kept repeating what I thought was the Spanish word for spider, but instead found that I was saying naranja (the word for orange). Needless to say Heather (who is fluent in Spanish) was practicaly on the floor laughing...and as soon as I figured out what I was saying, I was laughing too. Kinda strange to hear someone say that there are some VERY big oranges out there...imagine the confusion on people's faces when I repeated these words later...sigh. :p
This week I have been helping in the kitchen. I think its my least favorite place to be. I am getting to be quite good at peeling and cutting potatoes and carrots. Its a pretty demanding job, but thankfully I'm not the leader...so all I do is follow directions. We eat a lot of potatoes and rice around here. Can I say I'm getting just a little tired of potatoes and rice? The reason for this is because of our limited budget, so we have to be creative with what we've got....I'm really missing a lot of our foods at home :s...yesterday I was craving a grilled cheese sandwich.
Each week we have a certain country's dish (a country that is represented in our group). So far we've had Bolivian, Peruvian, and Argentine. I'm trying to think of a meal we could do "on the cheap" with potatoes and rice :s...I keep dreaming of a big Pancake breakfast ... or something for a dinner. BUt I'm not very good at this stuff....and cooking is just a little different here, with some of the ingrediants that are most common in the States being more expensive or almost non-existent (we have to make some things by scratch). Any ideas?? I'd be so appreciative of some good ones :)
For the last two Saturdays our team has split into two groups of four to explore the community surrounding the mission training center and basically work on getting to know our neighbors. My group has focused primarily on the neighborhood right near where we are. We are out in the country, so it is a lot of farmland, with the houses set back off the dirt road. Some homes are obviously of the wealthy farmers, and others of the workers. Making contact with people is a challenge, but we've made headway :). Yesterday we met a worker and his wife who imigrated here from Bolivia (Jesus and Paula, with a little six month old baby girl). They work in the brick factory next to us and are believers. There isn't a church close by, and having no car or form of transportation they are unable to go to church. They seemed very happy to meet us. I desperately wanted to be able to talk to Paula, but with the language barrier all I could do was smile at her. They seemed rather young...he was probably 24 or 25 and she couldn't have been more than 20 years old. We hope to chat with them again next Saturday :).
The weather has really changed around here. The days and nights are cold. I have finally pulled out my sweaters and other layers and jackets to help with the cold. It is definitely fall! I am enjoying the coolness, but am definitely not looking forward to the winter...I hope my clothes are warm enough.
...on to more adventures :)
Last Saturday my friend Heather and I were given the job of moving a pile of wood and rocks from one location to another. In the process we saw a scorpion and some massive spiders! Now, in Spanish the name for a spider is araña...and in an effort to practice my Spanish I kept repeating what I thought was the Spanish word for spider, but instead found that I was saying naranja (the word for orange). Needless to say Heather (who is fluent in Spanish) was practicaly on the floor laughing...and as soon as I figured out what I was saying, I was laughing too. Kinda strange to hear someone say that there are some VERY big oranges out there...imagine the confusion on people's faces when I repeated these words later...sigh. :p
This week I have been helping in the kitchen. I think its my least favorite place to be. I am getting to be quite good at peeling and cutting potatoes and carrots. Its a pretty demanding job, but thankfully I'm not the leader...so all I do is follow directions. We eat a lot of potatoes and rice around here. Can I say I'm getting just a little tired of potatoes and rice? The reason for this is because of our limited budget, so we have to be creative with what we've got....I'm really missing a lot of our foods at home :s...yesterday I was craving a grilled cheese sandwich.
Each week we have a certain country's dish (a country that is represented in our group). So far we've had Bolivian, Peruvian, and Argentine. I'm trying to think of a meal we could do "on the cheap" with potatoes and rice :s...I keep dreaming of a big Pancake breakfast ... or something for a dinner. BUt I'm not very good at this stuff....and cooking is just a little different here, with some of the ingrediants that are most common in the States being more expensive or almost non-existent (we have to make some things by scratch). Any ideas?? I'd be so appreciative of some good ones :)
For the last two Saturdays our team has split into two groups of four to explore the community surrounding the mission training center and basically work on getting to know our neighbors. My group has focused primarily on the neighborhood right near where we are. We are out in the country, so it is a lot of farmland, with the houses set back off the dirt road. Some homes are obviously of the wealthy farmers, and others of the workers. Making contact with people is a challenge, but we've made headway :). Yesterday we met a worker and his wife who imigrated here from Bolivia (Jesus and Paula, with a little six month old baby girl). They work in the brick factory next to us and are believers. There isn't a church close by, and having no car or form of transportation they are unable to go to church. They seemed very happy to meet us. I desperately wanted to be able to talk to Paula, but with the language barrier all I could do was smile at her. They seemed rather young...he was probably 24 or 25 and she couldn't have been more than 20 years old. We hope to chat with them again next Saturday :).
The weather has really changed around here. The days and nights are cold. I have finally pulled out my sweaters and other layers and jackets to help with the cold. It is definitely fall! I am enjoying the coolness, but am definitely not looking forward to the winter...I hope my clothes are warm enough.
...on to more adventures :)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
I am NOT a Princess
Our schedule here at the CCMT has changed in the last couple weeks. Each day is full full full...I'm finding it pretty demanding, and a little challenging to fit in all the language learning I can (especially cuz I get so tired!).
From 8-10am I am in classes with the students, then from 10-12p I am studying on my own Spanish. Then from 12-12:30p or 1pm I have Spanish tutoring. Then lunch and any chores I might have (dishes, cleaning, cooking, etc.). Then Siesta (oh blessed Siesta...my favorite time of day). From 3-7pm the 9 of us students have been doing physical labor around the campus. After a shower and some rest, I sometimes have another tutoring time...but usually its a time to prepare for dinner and relax. Curfew is at 11pm.
This schedule is only for Tuesday - Friday, Saturday and Sunday are another story .... we haven't had our full weekend schedule yet, but in the next weeks we will be doing evangelistic activities on Saturday afternoons and visiting various churches on Sundays.
Apparently in this time, as the students have been getting to know me, I've been breaking their stereo types of women from the United States. First, I eat everything that is given to me...without complaint. Second, I work hard. The boys made some comments of surprise when I would clean (frustrating me)....but after a week of hard work their comments changed :).
So, what exactly have I been doing? Well, lets start with today...I helped mow some of the lawn here and helped make cement, carrying buckets of sand to the mixers. Yesterday I sanded and painted doors. Last week I spent four hours mowing a field, another day painting doors, another day clearing out the bases of some of the trees and weeding flower beds. All of this has also increased my small appetite...yes, to many of your amazement I am eating a lot more than I used to...I can finish an entire plate of food...and sometimes more :p.
So I guess I'm proving to the students here, and to myself that I'm not a princess and that I can handle quite a bit :). Now, of course I haven't cooked yet for the group...that is my next challenge - and one I'm not really looking forward to ... all of this is new and if I can mow an entire field...then I can for sure cook a meal for 8 hungry students (6 of which are hungry boys).
Well...I'm off to have some maté...the evenings are so nice these days! Fall is in the air :)
From 8-10am I am in classes with the students, then from 10-12p I am studying on my own Spanish. Then from 12-12:30p or 1pm I have Spanish tutoring. Then lunch and any chores I might have (dishes, cleaning, cooking, etc.). Then Siesta (oh blessed Siesta...my favorite time of day). From 3-7pm the 9 of us students have been doing physical labor around the campus. After a shower and some rest, I sometimes have another tutoring time...but usually its a time to prepare for dinner and relax. Curfew is at 11pm.
This schedule is only for Tuesday - Friday, Saturday and Sunday are another story .... we haven't had our full weekend schedule yet, but in the next weeks we will be doing evangelistic activities on Saturday afternoons and visiting various churches on Sundays.
Apparently in this time, as the students have been getting to know me, I've been breaking their stereo types of women from the United States. First, I eat everything that is given to me...without complaint. Second, I work hard. The boys made some comments of surprise when I would clean (frustrating me)....but after a week of hard work their comments changed :).
So, what exactly have I been doing? Well, lets start with today...I helped mow some of the lawn here and helped make cement, carrying buckets of sand to the mixers. Yesterday I sanded and painted doors. Last week I spent four hours mowing a field, another day painting doors, another day clearing out the bases of some of the trees and weeding flower beds. All of this has also increased my small appetite...yes, to many of your amazement I am eating a lot more than I used to...I can finish an entire plate of food...and sometimes more :p.
So I guess I'm proving to the students here, and to myself that I'm not a princess and that I can handle quite a bit :). Now, of course I haven't cooked yet for the group...that is my next challenge - and one I'm not really looking forward to ... all of this is new and if I can mow an entire field...then I can for sure cook a meal for 8 hungry students (6 of which are hungry boys).
Well...I'm off to have some maté...the evenings are so nice these days! Fall is in the air :)
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Someday I'll look back and laugh...maybe today is that day
Each day has its own challenges, like having cold showers, or mosquitoes that are the size of flies eating you alive, or realizing that you need to learn the days of the week better because you've almost missed your laundry day twice.
Its the joys of being in a new place, as well as knowing you can't understand a lot of things. Someday I'll laugh about those little encounters...maybe today...it is kinda humorous. Its so great, because every day that I cry (which is just about every day) the Lord provides something that totally blesses me beyond words.
Monday my wonderful friend Sabrina surprised me with a two day visit. I was feeling so lonely, cuz my roommates can't really talk with me, so we often just pass each other in the room...and meals can often be quiet for me too (I'm really becoming a very thoughtful person with all that time to think and process :p haha).
Tuesday and Wednesday we talked about culture shock in the classes. Boy could I identify!! We did this stress test, and I found that I'm at the highest stress level...and should be careful cuz I could get sick. hmmm...
Thursday the laundry machine was down, but I didn't think it was a problem...cuz I thought my day was on Friday. Overall a fairly good day I think - besides not being able to take a shower cuz it was cold.
Friday, had a really cold shower in the morning because someone forgot to light the gas lighter again...and I really need to take a shower. I realized my laundry day was the day before - I cried. Took a deep breath and tried to put things in perspective. Then, I was invited for an outing on the town on Saturday - things were looking up :). This was also a work day...cleaning the facility and having fun together.
Saturday...went downtown!! It was fun, until...sigh yep...I started cramping really bad. Later I was told that the juice I'd had in the morning wasn't good. Aparently some of the ice from the freezer that was being defrosted ended up in the juice. Making me and another guy sick. I was sick for several hours.
Sunday ..praise the Lord I'm well!! No need for antibiotics or anything ... I feel rested and I think that I can face the new week.
God is SO good!! Each challenge has been frustrating and painful, but I know that I am making it through...and I don't want to complain, because I know overall my days are really good. God is teaching me so much about himself. He cares about me and I know that through all of this I'm getting stronger. I am "catching" the language...and soon I hope I can start forming sentences. I just need to be more brave in speaking :).
Someday I'll laugh about these struggles ... maybe today...maybe tomorrow...but someday I will definitely laugh.
Its the joys of being in a new place, as well as knowing you can't understand a lot of things. Someday I'll laugh about those little encounters...maybe today...it is kinda humorous. Its so great, because every day that I cry (which is just about every day) the Lord provides something that totally blesses me beyond words.
Monday my wonderful friend Sabrina surprised me with a two day visit. I was feeling so lonely, cuz my roommates can't really talk with me, so we often just pass each other in the room...and meals can often be quiet for me too (I'm really becoming a very thoughtful person with all that time to think and process :p haha).
Tuesday and Wednesday we talked about culture shock in the classes. Boy could I identify!! We did this stress test, and I found that I'm at the highest stress level...and should be careful cuz I could get sick. hmmm...
Thursday the laundry machine was down, but I didn't think it was a problem...cuz I thought my day was on Friday. Overall a fairly good day I think - besides not being able to take a shower cuz it was cold.
Friday, had a really cold shower in the morning because someone forgot to light the gas lighter again...and I really need to take a shower. I realized my laundry day was the day before - I cried. Took a deep breath and tried to put things in perspective. Then, I was invited for an outing on the town on Saturday - things were looking up :). This was also a work day...cleaning the facility and having fun together.
Saturday...went downtown!! It was fun, until...sigh yep...I started cramping really bad. Later I was told that the juice I'd had in the morning wasn't good. Aparently some of the ice from the freezer that was being defrosted ended up in the juice. Making me and another guy sick. I was sick for several hours.
Sunday ..praise the Lord I'm well!! No need for antibiotics or anything ... I feel rested and I think that I can face the new week.
God is SO good!! Each challenge has been frustrating and painful, but I know that I am making it through...and I don't want to complain, because I know overall my days are really good. God is teaching me so much about himself. He cares about me and I know that through all of this I'm getting stronger. I am "catching" the language...and soon I hope I can start forming sentences. I just need to be more brave in speaking :).
Someday I'll laugh about these struggles ... maybe today...maybe tomorrow...but someday I will definitely laugh.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
just some thoughts
Two days ago it rained buckets...almost literally. We had a crazy thunder and lightning storm that was not expected at all...it rained for three hours. During the storm we tried to measure the water, in 15 minutes our bucket was full! crazy! The roads were turned into rivers and there was rivers flowing through the property. The next day the sun came out nice and clear, almost as though the storm hadn't been there at all (which was good because my mom was to leave that afternoon...and to have another delay would've been pretty discouraging).
Now I'm here on my own trying to get into the swing of things. I've moved into a room with two other young women. Neither of them speak much English so I'm hoping that this will encourage me to speak Spanish more. The other students are also quite helpful in asking me what I know...and are pretty nice about the fact that I can only stare at them most of the time :p.
I am considered a student here, so whatever the students do I'm supposed to do. Today I sat in on an Anthropology class...lets just say my head hurt like crazy afterwards as my brain tried desperately to understand what was being said. Overall it was a good experience. I'm attempting to set goals and now have a "bench mark" to work with and am hoping to begin making great progress. The students already say that I'm learning quickly (most of that is because I only really have one thing to focus on - language learning - so its a little easier). I still struggle with loneliness as I can't enjoy the jokes or the laughter as much during meals or cleaning, etc. But that just motivates me to learn fast :).
Its been really warm the last couple days, but fall is in the air. (sigh) I'm really not looking forward to winter...but I am looking forward to the adventures that I will be having in the next few months. (Praying that the Lord will show favor on my desires to go and visit friends around Argentina).
well...nos vemos (see you later)...not sure when I'll get on again....hopefully next time I can upload pictures, the internet connection is too slow right now :(
Now I'm here on my own trying to get into the swing of things. I've moved into a room with two other young women. Neither of them speak much English so I'm hoping that this will encourage me to speak Spanish more. The other students are also quite helpful in asking me what I know...and are pretty nice about the fact that I can only stare at them most of the time :p.
I am considered a student here, so whatever the students do I'm supposed to do. Today I sat in on an Anthropology class...lets just say my head hurt like crazy afterwards as my brain tried desperately to understand what was being said. Overall it was a good experience. I'm attempting to set goals and now have a "bench mark" to work with and am hoping to begin making great progress. The students already say that I'm learning quickly (most of that is because I only really have one thing to focus on - language learning - so its a little easier). I still struggle with loneliness as I can't enjoy the jokes or the laughter as much during meals or cleaning, etc. But that just motivates me to learn fast :).
Its been really warm the last couple days, but fall is in the air. (sigh) I'm really not looking forward to winter...but I am looking forward to the adventures that I will be having in the next few months. (Praying that the Lord will show favor on my desires to go and visit friends around Argentina).
well...nos vemos (see you later)...not sure when I'll get on again....hopefully next time I can upload pictures, the internet connection is too slow right now :(
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Language Learning
March 2, 2010
Yesterday I began my journey of language learning. Today I cried. I know that language learning is difficult, but I think with the added stress of not knowing which room I will be sleeping in, and the fact I've been living in a suitcase for over almost two months now, and knowing that my mom is leaving tomorrow, among many other adjustments, I've felt quite overwhelmed. The weather today is rather stormy, it kinda reminds me of my mood. I have a hard time when it comes to not fitting in, and not having the language to speak really makes it hard to "fit in".
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying the language learning, it's a fascinating process and I enjoy learning new things. But, imagine you are sitting in a classroom where they are talking about things you know, but you have your hands over your ears and all you hear is muffled noises. Your brain knows it should understand what they are saying, but struggles to grasp any meaning. Occasionally, through the help of someone uncovering your ear (just for a moment), you briefly have a moment of understanding. That is how I have felt the last two days. The students are taking an Anthropology class (a course I thoroughly enjoy and know from both my studies at Multnomah and through the Gateway Missionary Training center in Canada), but it is all in Spanish with brief translations from my patient friend Heather J. I have suddenly found myself as an outsider, unable to do anything but talk about plates and spoons and knives.
Language learning is pretty humbling to say the least. I have been moved to the place of a child, though I can grasp many concepts, my functioning language is pretty minimal. So begins my year-long journey. I know for sure things will begin to feel better once I have a few more words to work with, and I am finally living in the same house as the rest of the students of the CCMT (Cross Cultural Missionary Training) where I will learn language just by doing daily tasks with them. All I keep thinking is that Christ came down as a child and it took at least 12 years before he was recognized, and then it was another 20 years before his ministry really took off…so really I'm doing pretty well J. I am definitely learning patience in a new way.
Oh, by the way, if you ever use Spanish be sure you remember that Vaso (pronounced Baso) is glass and Beso is kiss….its pretty embarrassing when you ask for a kiss rather than a glass, especially in a houseful of guys. Just be aware J.
Salmos 37:4-5
Deléitate en el Señor
Y el te concederá los deseos de tu Corazón.
Encomienda al Señor tu camino,
Confía en el, en el actuara
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Rain…Rain…Rain…
So I thought I left the rain in Portland…but apparently it decided to follow me to Argentina. Over the last three days we've had some pretty extreme downpours. It was nice at first because the days were incredibly hot (well, mid-to-upper 90s) and the thunderstorm that came was awesome, to say the least. Yesterday was okay, overcast and drizzly, but then early this morning (probably around one or two in the morning) the rain started coming down in buckets and didn't let down until around 8am. Now, don't get me wrong, I have always loved the rain…but I also enjoy the sunshine. Maybe I'll be eating my words once the heat returns, but I do miss seeing the sun.
Beyond the rain things are going pretty smoothly. We just started our first day of the English immersion course and will be placing students into tutor groups by the end of today. The students are all very nervous, and I think overwhelmed. I sympathize, its no easy task to speak another language. But I am confident that by the end of the week they will have gotten a little more comfortable with us (and we with them) and we'll be having a hard time not hanging out until late hours into the night J. I look forward to getting to know each person here and observe how they grow in their language learning.
Now, for myself, I am getting excited and extremely nervous for the time where I will be immersing myself in Spanish … intimidating to say the least. Maybe it's a little strange, but there are many nights where I go to sleep saying Spanish phrases or words in my head, trying to get it stuck in there J. We'll see how well I do as I jump head first into the ocean of language learning in two weeks. I am confident that this is where God wants me, and I am confident those he puts in my life while I'm here are going to be a perfect part of His plan – I just need to take hold of the courage God has for me, and to remember that He has me in a tight hold within His hands. What a blessing to know I am not alone on this journey!
Hopefully soon I will have pictures to post, until then, imagine a little cottage-like home with a porch that looks out into a backyard with trees and a clothes line. The birds are singing, and in one of the eaves of the porch there is a turtle dove sitting on its eggs. It's a nice setting, even with the wet and muddy ground and cloudy skies.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Saying Goodbye
Saying goodbye is never easy...and I for one have never been good at them. My mom always reminds me of how I used to be, when I was little. I'd play at my friends houses and have so much fun I'd cry when it was time to go (even if I knew that I was just going to see them the next day or even the next week). So it is no surprise that as I say my goodbyes to different parts of my life here in Portland I tear up, knowing that I'll see everyone again, yet feeling like a part of my world is crashing down.
Sunday Anna, Cristina and I, all roommates for a total of three years together, said our goodbyes as Anna and I moved our things over to our parents house and Cris finished out the long week of packing for her new destination. Monday I said goodbye to working for my dad in his office. Wednesday I said goodbye to my Coffee's On coworkers as I completed my final closing shift. Soon I will be saying goodbye to my dear friends and family, my church family, my comforts, my space, and the normal day to day, to say hello to a new and relatively unknown world (to me) in Argentina.
So, as I let go of yesterday and today, I take a deep breath and journey into the future; and I excitedly anticipate the new friends and experiences awaiting me. And I promise you that I will cry when I leave there too, its just who I am :).
Until tomorrow...
Sunday Anna, Cristina and I, all roommates for a total of three years together, said our goodbyes as Anna and I moved our things over to our parents house and Cris finished out the long week of packing for her new destination. Monday I said goodbye to working for my dad in his office. Wednesday I said goodbye to my Coffee's On coworkers as I completed my final closing shift. Soon I will be saying goodbye to my dear friends and family, my church family, my comforts, my space, and the normal day to day, to say hello to a new and relatively unknown world (to me) in Argentina.
So, as I let go of yesterday and today, I take a deep breath and journey into the future; and I excitedly anticipate the new friends and experiences awaiting me. And I promise you that I will cry when I leave there too, its just who I am :).
Until tomorrow...
Friday, January 8, 2010
Reflections
Sorry this took me so long to post...balancing packing, work, and all the details that come with moving has proven to be quite the challenge!
__________________________
Amazing how a decade can go by so fast! As I sit here celebrating the coming of a new year, I can't help but think back on where I have been and how the last ten years has shaped the person I am today.
In the last decade I've worked several different type of jobs (retail sales associate, babysitter, secretary, librarian, Inside Sales Associate, custodian, and teacher's assistant). I have also traveled to a few places in the world (England, Germany, Canada, Thailand, Argentina), and have seen the Lord move me from one direction to another. In 2000 I thought for sure that I wanted to be a school teacher and to work with young children. By 2003 I was thinking that I wanted to be a teacher but not in a school, maybe a teacher of English as a second language. I also wanted to be a mentor to young girls, maybe college age. These ideas built until, in the recent couple of years my desire is to work with international adults or young adults in teaching English as a second language...with a deepened desire to mentor young women as they face the challenges of life.
This last decade has had some real highs and some real lows. I remember those who I've lost this decade: god-mother in 1999 to cancer, grandpa Don, Ellen Swope, David Weisenburg, grandpa Lou, and most recently our family dog who was a real part of the family. There were many tragedies in the world too during this year (specifically 9/11, among many many others).
Along with the lows are some real high points. I had my first international traveling experience, my first boyfriend, I started and finished my college degree, I have gained many wonderful friends, I participated in my little sister's wedding, I've traveled three times to Argentina, I moved out on my own, among many many other high points in the decade.
Through all of these moments God has been directing me and walking with me, guiding me to where I am today. One of the biggest shifts in my life was in 2003 when I decided to go to the Gateway Missionary Training Center in Canada. I didn't know where I wanted to go, but I felt the Lord directing me towards missions. It was at this training center that I gained the tools to be more effective in ministry, to see other cultures through His eyes, and to love them. It wasn't an easy process. I wrestled with the Lord over many things, even where I was planning to go for my three month internship overseas. But inhis love and grace I went to Thailand. I learned so much about myself, not to mention the Thai culture. During this stretching time I felt it was important that I study the Word more and to get training as an ESL teacher (since I'd really found that this was something I could do well).
Within a month of my return from this Missionary training program, I applied, was accepted, and began classes at Multnomah Bible college (now Multnomah University). I planned to stay a year, but the Lord had other plans :). Five years later (after taking one year to go to Community College), I finished a degree in Intercultural Studies and TESOL (teaching English as a Second Language). But more than a degree, I had gained confidence in myself, in the Lord's faithfulness, and I'd gained many wonderful godly friends who I have found to be of great support as I move into this new phase of my life.
It is amazing to see how when we take steps, God directs us into such amazing journeys. It isn't all pleasant, but it is always a journey of growing deeper in our understanding of God's amazing love for us. I am so looking forward to what this next year, and this next decade will hold!
__________________________
Amazing how a decade can go by so fast! As I sit here celebrating the coming of a new year, I can't help but think back on where I have been and how the last ten years has shaped the person I am today.
In the last decade I've worked several different type of jobs (retail sales associate, babysitter, secretary, librarian, Inside Sales Associate, custodian, and teacher's assistant). I have also traveled to a few places in the world (England, Germany, Canada, Thailand, Argentina), and have seen the Lord move me from one direction to another. In 2000 I thought for sure that I wanted to be a school teacher and to work with young children. By 2003 I was thinking that I wanted to be a teacher but not in a school, maybe a teacher of English as a second language. I also wanted to be a mentor to young girls, maybe college age. These ideas built until, in the recent couple of years my desire is to work with international adults or young adults in teaching English as a second language...with a deepened desire to mentor young women as they face the challenges of life.
This last decade has had some real highs and some real lows. I remember those who I've lost this decade: god-mother in 1999 to cancer, grandpa Don, Ellen Swope, David Weisenburg, grandpa Lou, and most recently our family dog who was a real part of the family. There were many tragedies in the world too during this year (specifically 9/11, among many many others).
Along with the lows are some real high points. I had my first international traveling experience, my first boyfriend, I started and finished my college degree, I have gained many wonderful friends, I participated in my little sister's wedding, I've traveled three times to Argentina, I moved out on my own, among many many other high points in the decade.
Through all of these moments God has been directing me and walking with me, guiding me to where I am today. One of the biggest shifts in my life was in 2003 when I decided to go to the Gateway Missionary Training Center in Canada. I didn't know where I wanted to go, but I felt the Lord directing me towards missions. It was at this training center that I gained the tools to be more effective in ministry, to see other cultures through His eyes, and to love them. It wasn't an easy process. I wrestled with the Lord over many things, even where I was planning to go for my three month internship overseas. But inhis love and grace I went to Thailand. I learned so much about myself, not to mention the Thai culture. During this stretching time I felt it was important that I study the Word more and to get training as an ESL teacher (since I'd really found that this was something I could do well).
Within a month of my return from this Missionary training program, I applied, was accepted, and began classes at Multnomah Bible college (now Multnomah University). I planned to stay a year, but the Lord had other plans :). Five years later (after taking one year to go to Community College), I finished a degree in Intercultural Studies and TESOL (teaching English as a Second Language). But more than a degree, I had gained confidence in myself, in the Lord's faithfulness, and I'd gained many wonderful godly friends who I have found to be of great support as I move into this new phase of my life.
It is amazing to see how when we take steps, God directs us into such amazing journeys. It isn't all pleasant, but it is always a journey of growing deeper in our understanding of God's amazing love for us. I am so looking forward to what this next year, and this next decade will hold!
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