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.
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