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.

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.

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!