Volunteering and traveling in Argentina to proclaim God's great love, and hopefully not getting sick along the way.

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Friday, December 14, 2012

Entertaining

After a 12 hour bus ride you are certain to desire to stretch out the legs. I take a moment to thank God again that I am 26, even if I am beginning to deteriorate a little at the joints (exagerrating). There was no hurry, so to the bathroom, to the tourist info desk, a 20 minute walk to the hostel.

Again, early, so I read a little and checked email before getting the room key. Talked with the woman at the desk for info on what my friend Kathryn and I can do for our short 2.5 days in Mendoza. I could have gone on a mini excursion if I wanted to, but noticed that I would be coming back way past Kathryn's scheduled arrival. It's probably best I stay here, I thought to myself. Well.. be here, versus stay here.

Map in hand, I went to the local central square, surprisingly, not named after St. Martin. From there to one of the largest parks in South America. Snapped some photos, don't you worry, but also just moseyed.. thinking about my favorite quote from the first LOTR's book, "All who wander are not lost." Indeed, it can be fun to wander.

The park is beautiful, and it was encouraging to see so many runners and bike riders, and when I passed by a pool, intense swimmers as well. :)

I took a moment to think about what it takes to entertain me. Long walks on the beach is actually a legitimate option for me, no matter how much we poke fun at it as what we want to write in those online profiles. I had stopped a couple of times to read.. I just observed people..

And I was.. am content.

Are you able to just hang out? Or do you need to do something extreme to be satisfied?

I personally like NOT spending money. I like getting to know a person, and am thinking of a most recent friend named Paloma, for example. I am excited that yes, Kathryn and I will be doing some intense activities during our time in Argentina together, but I am also quite happy that we will have a lot of chat time. That I will get to share with her my new culture (well, I suppose you could call me a half breed), funky ways to flush a toilet and all! hehe

Oh, and I come armed with my uke!!

until next time, Chau!

Friday, December 7, 2012

Laughing, singing, dancing, grinning, morons!*

On skype with Janna, I had to reiterate the fact that I'm not a kid person. Yes, the joke is on me with how much work I am involved with in Argentina that includes kids.

"Usually it's the other way around," she says. "People don't like teenagers but love kids."

"Yep. I'm the unusual one."

And then I went to the institute today.. back up. I have a little cold that was contracted in the middle of the night Tuesday. I have a feeling getting caught in the rain yesterday (after a brilliant hangout with Marisol + gang, as well as the Iriartes) didn't help either. The morning was spent swimming a mile, cleaning the house and preparing for the visit. Thankfully a nice conversation with Janna, as mentioned, in there. However, I was tired.

And it's hot.

I arrived with very little energy, and the Lord was aware! The girls were watching a movie, so we finished that and played some cards. Very chill. At one point, Luciano wakes up from his nap and peers out just enough to see what's going on.

He sees me, exclaims "Sorosho!!!" and runs to give me a hug and sit on my lap.

I'm not a kid person, honestly, but sometimes things like this happens and it makes me a little bit softer. Is this what is meant in 1 Corinthians about seeking the greater gifts? Being flexible (one of my theme words) to serve in many capacities, even in ones you're not accustom to..

Chau!

*lyrics from a song. don't judge!!! haha

Monday, December 3, 2012

I present to you..

Yep. I caved and went to see it. Bueno, it was also part of a deal I had made with Flor to finish the saga because we had both been manipulated into the storyline in the first place.

And when I say manipulated I obviously just mean that curiosity got the best of me last November (2011), and like pringles, once you pop, you just can't stop. That is the phrase, right? haha

It's happened to me before where I have been disappointed. I finally got into Lost after the final season came out, and when I arrived to the last episodes I was left wanting. "REALLY?!" I remember shouting at the screen.

Don't get me wrong, the first three seasons were spectacular. Same goes for the first 2.5 of Grey's Anatomy, and even 2.5ish of The O.C.

But I digress.. part of me is just surprised at myself, for getting caught up in storylines that should be left alone after a few chapters. Cough, cough, these days, How I Met Your Mother, cough cough..

All this to say, surprisingly... NOT disappointed by Breaking Dawn part 2. Maybe because it's the kind of story that makes you laugh when you're least expecting it. Yeah, yeah, it had some explicit moments between husband and wife which honestly should be left to husband and wife, if you ask me (Hollywood never does). And Taylor Lautner just might be the new Matthew McConaughey in the sense that he can't keep his shirt on..

But it was good. Cheesy. Ridiculous. But a good way to end the tale. Still not interested in reading the books, but I recommend the movie. And especially in theaters because there is nothing like the sense of community in response to a few of the scenes. As Flor and I walked home we found ourselves laughing multiple times over everything that had happened.

Chau!

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Look at chew

This morning, I had the privilege of serving teammate Laura with her end-of-the-year party in Las Violetas. She is a child therapist, and meets with children individually throughout the week in our good ole el Refugio to help them improve their learning and social skills.

I had heard stories about most of these kids (there are 7), so I was intrigued to be able to put a face to some of the names. All I had to do was show up and set up a few board games, encouraging the kids as they entered to play. Easy. In Argentina lingo--Chan.

Basically, I watched as she loved these kids, giving the special attention that they need; I watched as she clearly gave the group game instructions and each child (as well as one parent, or if no parent was present, a sibling) played with giant smiles on their faces.

Andrea gave a short Word, and then served snacks. The moms then made the effort to thank Laura for the changes they have seen in their child over the year. I don't know if I'm becoming a softy, but it definitely brought a little tear to my eyes to hear about these improvements. I felt so proud of Laurita!!!

Additionally, the women of Las Violetas had gathered beforehand to meet with Eva. They are making these really awesome handbags out of.. well.. I guess you would call it tshirt cloth (so cotton?) that has been made into string. Here, a picture will help my ill attempt at description:
Pretty beautiful, no? And there's more where that came from!!

Any way, I am also very proud of Eva who has helped create a brand for these bags, and for the past couple of weeks has even set up a stand to sell them in the cultural center we own. The women of OM are definitely in need of some butter, because they are on a roll!!!! hehe

All that to say, the blog won't always be about me, I like to look at chew (or others) every once and awhile.

In addition, look forward to a brief post about Breaking Dawn. Yes. You heard me. :P

Chau!

Friday, November 23, 2012

The Honeymoon period

Having just arrived (again), I am feeling quite at home. It's lovely to have summer back, to waltz around in my new flourescent shorts and sport the "renovado" hairstyle. I have had plenty of quality time with Sol and Flor, even a couple of visits with Maria Elena. Deep conversations with Laura; ice cream and boy talk with Eva.

I just had a lovely time with my girls at the institute as well. The pressure was on after a long meeting with the director Thursday. She gave me several speeches about how I need to make sure to include all of the girls in whatever we do, and to ask permission over and over again anytime we want to participate in an activity outside of the home. I tried to be very grateful, and reiterated how this is my first year for any type of work like this to be on my shoulders. That I am in the process of understanding how to do any of it.

She seemed to understand, and we even worked on a way to slowly distribute the money to the girls for the bracelets I was able to sell for them in the States. That way they wouldn't go spending it all in one place.

But like I was saying, a fun time with the gals of the institute. Ale wasn't there, but I did find Flor and Gladys and Evelin, as well as two new ones: Talia and Esmerelda.

The other good thing was that the director had given me the rundown of what the characters of the girls are like, and I was half-expecting to see a bit of this when I arrived today. And now we understand the honeymoon phase--the girls behaved so well, listening to what I had to say about why I am here and how I want to support the girls growth as young women.. as I passed around the tereré.

I am partially hopeful too, that Ale and Flor have put in a good word for me, as I noticed them make comments about who I am to the others. Evelin remains quiet as ever, but I was happy to see her interacting a little with the newer girls.

And Gladys.. poor girl seems intimidated by the quantity of the others, nevertheless, she sat by me and grabbed my hand.

When Luciano came back he ran to me and sat on my lap. I confess I was astonished, and encouraged to hear him speaking more clearly.

Walking home, I thought about a certain sentence in my devotional this morning. I am running behind in the devos lately, but I think God is still working mightily in this, as most of the time I find myself reading exactly what needs to be impressed upon me:

Si Dios ha endulzado tu copa bébela con gracia; y si la ha hecho amarga, bébela en comunión con Él.

"If God has sweetened your cup, drink it with grace; and if he has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him."

May we enjoy the good, and endure the bad, with Christ.

I look forward to this summer of staying in Córdoba (perhaps will explain this later?), as it gives me more time with the girls, perhaps a lot of time with Sol. On the other hand, it will come with some difficulties that I am well aware of. The possibility of a lot of alone time in the house, a necessary root canal surgery, and a very hot (air conditioning-less) summer.

Perhaps it's important to write all this down in order to be thankful (happy t-giving everyone) for when it is going well. Taking it with grace, chau!!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Add it to the list

CPC is a daunting place. I had only heard of it a couple times, but going to it, alone.. was I ready?

When I came back to my lovely Cordoban home, I was welcomed with all of the finances of the household, including several unpaid bills. Hooray! (sarcasm sign)

And since most of them were vencidos, or late, it would mean that I would have to go to the dreaded CPC. That is, where the long lines are to lead you to where you ashamedly pay your said bills. It's a complicated process because you pay certain bills at certain locations, and others at others. Then there's the whole this is in another language factor.

I decided to walk the 20 minutes to get there so that I could pray for all the help I could get. And yes, it was complicated. Yes, I almost paid too much more than once. But in the end, I survived! All of our bills are covered and there will be no cutting off of power or water anytime soon!

-----
In other news, prayers are needed. I had a short talk with the director of the teen mom's home today and it looks like the girls aren't behaving too well. "I would like to speak with you before you talk with them," she told me. The meeting is at 4pm Argentina time. Pray that I would have the words to say and would be able to help more than hurt. Above all, that I would trust in the Lord every moment!

love and chau!

Monday, November 19, 2012

20/20

"Do you see it?"

"Nope."

"Look," The guide had gone out of his way to stop the vehicle just so I could see a sloth. Now he was pointing at something high at the trees.

"I feel blind," I told him, and he pulled me close that my line of vision would follow his arm, follow his index finger, follow an invisible thread toward the leaves and the supposed sloth. I eventually saw a fluff ball, something, sitting between a Y-shapped branch.

Earlier, Koren, had led my mom and I on a floating safari and at one point had asked if we smelled something.

"That's monkey," he says.

I was quick to look up and I remember seeing 3 black balls of fluff, similar to the sloth I saw now, but I hadn't been certain. A little later on the same tour we smelled monkey again. This time he stopped the boat, pulling us ashore by a hanging vine, and we spent about ten minutes watching a family of monkeys swing from tree to tree. Koren made noises with the paddle, then mimicked the monkeys themselves, in order to get them to move around. I admired the scene although I admit I also feared we would be making these monkeys mad enough to throw their poop at us if we weren't careful.

We moved on.

A bobbing brown head proved to be a sea otter. Or I suppose a river otter? Spikes in the branches proved to be large iguanas.

'Am I blind?' I asked myself. 'Or is it that I just don't recognize what I am looking at?'

A pastor raised the point to say that if Jesus had to use Scripture to combat temptation (Luke 4:1-13), you can be assured that we will need to do the same. That is, it is not a suggestion; it is not something we ought to do. It is something on which our very survival depends!

I say this about the Bible because I think it's what will help us see things for what they are. We read about what the Devil is like (that rascal and his schemes against us!), so we can focus on the truth that Jesus came to give us real life. We read about the fall of man and recognize how important it is to flee from Satan and not try to reason with him. We begin to see people as God sees them; with a potential to be children of God. I think I'll steal from Lord of the Rings, my current book obsession:

"Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. I have not much hope that Gollum can be cured before he dies, but there is a chance of it. And he is bound up with the fate of the Ring. My heart tells me that he has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before the end, and when that comes, the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many--yours not least."

Once we start to adjust our vision.. once we realize what we are looking at.. we won't feel as blind anymore.. we'll recognize that sloth in any tree we pass by on the jungle Costa Rican road.*

*yeah.. not there yet!!

chau!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

I have great friends

I mean, seriously.

They tell me the sweetest things. I nearly.. no.. that's not true.. I did cry at the sincerity and beauty of an email from former roomie Janna about the time we first met. How it was God putting us together. There could never be a more true statement, as I saw a lot of positive change in myself through our friendship.

Then there was the hour or so conversation with another favorite roomie, Liz, about how life has gone along in the past couple of years. We realized our need to be better with the coming two years. All the same, I felt like we just picked up from where we left off, and it is pretty cool to be able to say that.

Later, watched a movie, ate dinner, and talked for SEVERAL hours, with Courtney. She is simply great. Another with whom I can come back to and we continue the story. I appreciate her listening ear and all the laughs.

Well.. I laugh with everyone, so that's hard not to say.

Any way, just wanting to show some gratitude. It's amazing how God is so kind to me.

love and chau!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Wrong way

I have questioned the idea of 'wrong' on many occasions. Same thing with 'late.' I mean think about it, so-called 'wrong' turns might have allowed you to get to know or do something extraordinary. Life's many interruptions may bring you to a deeper understanding of God's love for you..

if you let it happen.

I had checked online which stop to get off of on the El in order to go to EBF on Sunday morning, but was told by Madeline and Jeremy another way. Not that I didn't get to EBF's new location, but it put me there earlier than expected and I was cold. So I would be going to Panera any way in order to get a warm drink (which turned into a breakfast sandwich, but I digress).

Well, because I went the way that I did, I ran into Tom and Rebecca. I had been in contact with Rebecca about possible support, but wasn't completely sure about where they were living. I mean, I have her number in my phone, but the actual making a phone call hadn't happened yet.

But there they were. Had I gone the way I planned, I would have never seen them. Because I listened to advice, and was cold, ahem, I did.

And the people with whom I had made lunch plans with, well.. didn't answer their phones. I suppose it was meant to be.

We met up after church (as they go to EBC), and sure enough, they are planning on supporting! Woot! And the perhaps even more cool thing? I got to hear their story about actually getting together, engaged and married--something that has basically happened all in the two years I have been gone. Very cool! Very cute, I might add..

So there you have it. Even I need the constant reminder that the 'wrong' way may be the right one. Keep those eyes peeled.

chau!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Dream a little dream

I think part of my line of dreaming/thinking is a conversation I was having with a friend about missions. That night, I was whisked away to an unknown airport and they told me I was waiting to go to Japan.

I kind of flipped, because, in case it wasn't clear, I am enamored by Argentina. I love that I get to go for two more years (at least). So to hear incessantly, "Your ticket hasn't arrived yet," I was both in shock and in denial. Or something like denial I imagine.

I am going to Argentina!!

When I awoke I realized that I am not going to Japan anytime soon, but I knew someone who was. Or at least someone who was trying to. I was reminded of ole Henry and began to pray for those doors to be opened to him.

On another note, I was reading Matthew and re-examined the first two years of Jesus' life. It's amazing how many dreams of caution and guidance are involved. You should count them to see what I mean.

Then I went to Real Life a week later. I was surprised to see the very Henry I was referring to, hanging out with the ole Cru gang (I certainly like the adjective 'ole', huh? Can't explain it.). So I went up to him and asked him about the future in Asia.

Sure enough, just last week, he was offered a job that would allow his return. Astonished, I shared with him and we both praised God. I jumped up and down for him because I know what it feels like for God to answer longings such as these.

God bless 'em.
Chau!

Monday, October 22, 2012

It never ceases to amaze

Even from the most unlikely of places, in the most strangest of moments, God provides yet again.

Almost everything I have had the benefit of participating in, has been covered by a friend. Even something as simple as seeing the must-see film Argo. To going to the DMA (and seeing some sweet posters by Toulouse-Lautrec). Food. Starbucks (I don't even love Starbucks, but I like it). etc. etc.

I. Am. Blessed.

Thank you Lord for the various ways in which you are providing the support I need for two more years in Argentina. I trust that this is where I belong.

Thank you friends: Heather and Richard, Christi, the Ammermans, the Avaras, the Masons, everyone who came to Painting with a Twist.. the list seems pretty endless right now.

A lot of love to be received allows for even more to give.

Chau!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

You think

..you have enough time for everything. But you simply don't.

It's okay though, as a lot has been done. I just don't know how I can get everything else taken care again before it's already November 12 or so (pending departure date).

The good news is Nolan is with us for the next three weeks at least. I will be gone for half a week (Chicago!), but the remainder of this week is me and Nolan focused time. It's an exciting moment as he is starting to talk so we can understand each other a little better, which is especially important when he needs stuff. Like diaper changes or eating and the like. haha.

I will want to comment on the awesome Longoria - Thiboddeaux wedding that took place last weekend, and other key hangouts, but I am sort of on the exhausted side of things for now. That is, no more time for internet.. must.. get.. some.. sleep...

(and Joy, I will eventually get back to your email as well. thanks for your comment!)

Chau!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

The main reverse cultural shocks would be...

Drumroll please?

- Refills. I had taken my time to drink my sweet tea from Chick Fil A only to remember that I could drink more. Lots and lots more!

- Cars. They are so big! And the highways too. I like the smooth highways...

- Eating at 6pm. It's not so bad since there's a two hour time difference. It makes the transition easier, however, still strange.

- Baseball movies. I love baseball. Missed it. It's nice to see on tv every once and awhile, that's all.

- Carpet. Dishwashers. General things in the house that we just don't have in Argentina.

- Paying tax and getting change. Thankfully I remembered to calculate the 8% tax when I bought the dress(es) for my cousin's wedding this weekend. Additionally, it was strange to get pennies back and to not be asked, "Do you have coins?" haha

- Driving. A sweet ride, and I am very thankful for it!

- Fans. We have air conditioning (sometimes). But other than your box fan, a fan from the ceiling is uber difficult to come by.

Not a cultural shock, but important nonetheless.. I am currently missing out on springtime. I appreciate the warm weather of Texas, and I know I will love the colors of the leaves at Northwestern. But I love spring, and I'm a bit sad to be missing it :(

Asi es la vida. Chau for now!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Debriefing

I am still a day and a half away from going to Texas. At first, I felt as if I should have gone home first, but now I definitely feel like this time is necessary.

Everyone should debrief, and possibly debrief everything they ever do, haha. No, but seriously. I have seen with children, after a game, it is so important to talk about the point of the game. What did you learn about yourself during the game? What do you think will happen the next time you play? They can be cheesy questions to a point, and yet oh so critical.

They teach you to think about the things you do and why you do them. They teach you, as Vicky said, that "people are never boring."

There is always something to be learned. About yourself, about others. About what NOT to do the next time..

Pardon me, I wrote all of the above while needing to go to the bathroom. You can imagine a gal swaying back and forth on the stool in the lobby where there are two free computers to use. Typing furiously. When no one was around, I ran to the bathroom, came back, read this and thought, "How rushed!!"

How silly.

Debriefing is cool. A picture to come.

Chau!

Monday, October 1, 2012

I don't like goodbyes

I suppose no one does. No one is saying, "Woohoo! I get to say goodbye to some of my best friends today!"

Obvio.

But what's weird with these goodbyes is that I know I will be seeing them again. A month and a half just feels like a long time. Especially for my girls in the institute. And some of the kids from Escuelita.. and the youth group.. ahhh...

What is interesting about goodbyes though is you learn who really cares. I was surprised, for instance, with Lucy and my profe Lorena from swimming classes. Both of them gave me hugs and wished me well. Oh, and then the woman who you have to check in with to get to swimming class. She came from around the desk to wish me a buen viaje. Lindo.

At the institute, all of the girls gave me good hugs, as well as a lot of the directors. I sincerely hope that Mariela and Nieves keep going even if I'm not there. I'm sort of leaving this time as a test for them, to see if they'll go without me reminding them. Nah.. I'll probably remind them anyway because it's important the girls know how much they are loved!

I'm about to meet with Flor for our final mates before November; then to the Rodriguez house for the evening (as well as el Refugio with all the kids who call me Seño Messi!). Tomorrow morning, I'll make a few more Argentine purchases and then it's so long Córdoba for a bit! Oh how I am already thinking about missing you!

Another fun fact.. or two. I preached in Spanish last night, and it was so fun for me! I think I even made sense. haha. For this reason, I use visuals (powerpoint), so that in case they don't understand the language, the pictures behind me will help. I talked about Story. If you want the notes, I can send them to you!

Then, there is the super fun news of how proud I am of the institute girls. They made enough bracelets for the Painting with a Twist class my dad will be giving in October (this month! ahh!), and 50 more. FIFTY MORE!! Way to go Ale and Flor! Flor was so funny, saying she isn't going to touch any string (hilo) until I get back. Understandable! Nevertheless, it was good to talk about the need to have a good quantity always ready if they hope to sell in a fair someday!

That's all for now.
Chau!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Note to self

Carlos makes a mean pollo al disco. Carlos, husband of Maria Elena, has to be one of the best persons to cook meat that I know.

Seriously. I can't move. I couldn't say no to a second plate, but I could say no to dessert.

That good.

If anyone comes to visit me, I will make sure you taste what I am talking about.

Note number two to self. I have learned how to make play doh. I will never buy that stuff again, because it is so easy, and loads of fun. Today at the institute with the gals, I made some dough in about 5 minutes, and everyone (and I mean everyone) was playing with their personal ball of dough (with color) for the full hour and a half that we were there!

Finally, some prayer requests:

1. For the family.
2. For my trip to the states coming up next Tuesday.
3. For Morena, daughter of Ale. She fell down hard yesterday and they are running some neurological tests--results come in soon.
4. I am giving a talk tomorrow night and Sunday night. One in English and one in Spanish. I feel like it's been awhile and I'm actually kind of nervous!


Thanks and chau!

Monday, September 24, 2012

A strange day

Something about Argentina is its abundant feriados, or holidays. Cristina has added loads of holidays, and sometimes changes them to meet her needs (like last year when she switched Kids' Day for election purposes).

Any way, because there are so many of them, I just don't even think about them any more (well except for Friendship Day, because it is taken very seriously here). A weird response, but a true one all the same. So when people were out of the house today due to yet another holiday, I just used the silence to prepare for the prayer meeting I was in charge of tonight.

After all, the holiday also meant I couldn't go swimming because the pool was closed.

Or then I went to make a photocopy, and my favorite local librería was closed. I dropped by Samuel's house to see if they could print for me, but the family had gone to Villa Giardino for the day. Right.

I went to the girls' institute, and thankfully Gladys and Eve were there. We had a good time of chatting over mate while the two actually worked on the bracelets. It's kind of an unusual thing for these two gals in particular, so I gave thanks to God on my ride home.

Enter the few hours of silence before making my way to el Refugio. And I suppose this is where it actually gets weird.

First of all, there's the fact that neither Laura nor Sol would be coming to el Refugio. The irony is that they are the ones who teach--I'm just there for crowd control. Let's add the fact that I didn't know that both of them would not show up. I called Laura who tells me, "Oops, I forgot.." and had talked to Sol the night before who said she was coming, she would just be late.

But I suppose this isn't that strange. I have noticed this a lot with the culture. The smallest excuse is enough to cancel the biggest responsibility. As I look back to last year and the multiple times we had cancelled events or visits due to rain, holidays (that were beautiful days spent doing nothing as a result), bus schedules, others not feeling like it, etc. etc. It's a struggle for me when sometimes the first thing out of one's mouth is, "Let's just postpone it", when one person mentions a tiny excuse. "Orrr.." I begin, "we figure something out!"

It's a battle for consistency!

Moving on.. I head out and the first thing I see is a stranger. This stranger greets me in a way as though he has known me his whole life. I sort of recognize him from the neighborhood, and I recognize that he has some sort of disability, so I continue. He puts his arm in mine and begins to talk with me.

"I'm almost as tall as you," he tells me.

Looking down to meet his gaze, I laugh a little and say, "Sorry buddy, I think I've got you on this one."

He changes the subject to my flip flops, and then asks how long I have lived here.

Like I said, strange. We part ways soon after and on my walk toward el Refugio I am praying for wisdom in what to do with the very possible reality of being alone. I wait at the gate and Santi and Julian arrive first. Then two other girls. The craft is a porcelain bear attached to a can. It's kind of cute; it's a multi-week task which most of this group had already practically finished.

"I honestly don't know what to do," I tell them.

Then they do the craziest thing for kids their age and from their background--they behave well and find things to do. They even clean up after themselves after all is said and done. I didn't have to do anything except be there. Show up. Ta.

What was also interesting is the five of us begin a conversation about death. These are 8, 9 and 10 year olds asking me about where I was during September 11, and if I have ever had to deal with death. I suppose the fact that my grandpa just died a couple of weeks ago is a good reminder that death is at everyone's door. They share their experiences, and I am able to ask them about the purpose of life. Again, remember their ages. A conversation I could have missed out on had I just given up when I hear that Laura isn't coming.

My Monday ritual of going to the Rodriguez house was also fascinating. It's normal for us to watch Floricienta, the most popular Argentine soap opera for teens, but I have never watched it in the girls' room (a room shared between Nieves and Mariela) alone. It was all so very strange. No small talk. I didn't even see Sol. No criollos!!

I walked home ready for the prayer meeting. There was a small gathering of OM folk in the kitchen, but none of them knew there was a meeting today (we have one EVERY Monday). I asked them to join me any way, and the 6 of us went in with low expectations. Or at least I did.

The next thing you know, a few of us are crying. I end the time in prayer, and everyone is fervently adding their "Amen"s and "Sí Señor"s. God's people transformed by an unexpected moment of reflecting on the country, our sin, and the needs around the world.

We end the day with some small talk, and I come here to write about it. All I hear is the ticking of the clock telling me it's time to go to bed. That, and the fact that the battery of my computer is almost up.

Chau!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Arriesgarme

Talk to the person with whom I share my lane in swimming even if she is a complete stranger. She randomly asks me if I know a person (nick)named Coco. She is referring to the very one from my church. Through a 6 degrees to Kevin Bacon (remember that long night playing that game in Florida, Josh Crain??), we are connected, and it leads to her, Lucy, talking about God with others.

I have to make photocopies, but nothing is open. Giving up, I walk home and find myself at a libreria I had never seen before. The woman asks me what I am doing here any way, and out comes the story of Jesus.

Someone must guard the snacks at camp. Teacher comes to share mate and we get to talking. I wasn't as ready for this conversation, but it comes out any way. Even the smallest inconvenience leads to an explanation of the only reason worth serving others, because the Son of Man himself did not come to be served...

Finally, an inkling of a feeling that there is a message to give. I ask the pastor if there's any chance I could preach the Sunday before I leave. He says yes. The next day, he finds me to say that someone just asked him to preach that same Sunday, so it works out perfectly. Then another asks me to write devotions for a camp in late November.

My prayer recently has been to see the ways in which God has planted me here, for now, with a purpose. I want to use the gifts He's already given me, and not just be willing to do whatever (such as teaching teens how to make bracelets, even though certainly, that's all well and good).

Isn't this ministry? Better yet, isn't this the life of the Christian? I don't have to be in Argentina for God to work through me. I do like it better this way though.

Chau and a sonrisa, me.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Who's got high class?

I have finally finished three straight weeks of English camp. If you don't remember what these are about, just look up last year about this time when we did camps with a circus theme. This year focuses on Thanksgiving, but we have a lot of other important Bible-based lessons in there as well.

I'm just going to go straight to the point on this one however, because there is much more from the past couple weeks that I would like to highlight. You have the basic context, so here we go:

Camp. Third week. The students arrive, and I already see a difference from all the rest. Not just cellphones, but Blackberries. Huge suitcases filled to the brim for the three days of camp (I just brought a backpack and small carrying bag). Here we go.

Camp firsts: students refusing, to your face, to speak in English. Students who do not give the typical Argentine greeting when they arrive, nor when they leave (in fact, windows closed on the bus!). Even Marisol got angry at them--this I have NEVER seen!

And when we talked about picking up after themselves, they looked at us with blank faces. But of course they have never even done chores! That's what the maids are for! Or should I talk about the boy who has an elevator in his house in order to reach the bottom floor, the garage, that holds multiple cars?

The thing is, we make a video with the students, based off of a music video you can find by looking up Matisyahu's song "One Day" in which there is a chain of random acts of kindness people do for each other. Acts of kindness like helping someone up if they fall, retrieving something someone accidentally left behind, etc. etc. Simple acts.

The first time during the brainstorming process that I had heard students bring up the idea of suicide, and how someone could talk someone off the ledge for example. It was the number one idea for both groups! And at least for my group, they had also thought of saving someone from committing suicide by leaving the gas on in the oven, or diving in front of a car to save another. As if these students are so sheltered in their gated communities that they can only think of extreme examples to help someone.

Don't get me started on how very few have actually helped people in need. I.E. from another social level.

I have been thinking a lot about the idea of taking risks, and so on the third morning I decided to share more about my life; really open up to them, even though they had yet to even show a desire to hear what I might have to say. So I led an exercise my parents had done with me when I was in high school, right before adopting Mark. We played a situational, how-would-you-feel-if-you-lost-everything-in-a-matter-of-moments, game. I warned them how it might be difficult to take it seriously, but to aim to do so as best as possible.

While many looked for loopholes, many started to get the point. They can't depend on money for the rest of their life. They do not have control over various things that could happen to either them or to their families. How will they respond?

I brought it home with personal examples from my brother, and from the boys that I had gotten to know last year. Eyes widened some more..

Perhaps in a matter of hours they were already speaking Spanish again, cursing on top of that, and cheating at every game whenever they could. Nonetheless, I have to hope that something stuck. Someday they'll remember a phrase or moment in there.

Besides, I'm just generalizing. And it's late, so perhaps my words are coming out a bit stronger than I mean them too. Then again, maybe not. It is difficult to get a camel through the eye of a needle after all.

Chau and with love, me.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

A variety of cute moments

Here's a drawing from Luciano that he made during the sermon tonight. I was only halfway there, as we had a minor emergency when Morena dirtied her diaper and Ale had forgotten to bring a replacement. As I walked to the nearest kiosk to buy a single diaper (I bought two, just in case, for the future), I thought how random my life seems to be at times.

Then Javi and his written comment in English. I still don't understand what he was trying to say, but I laughed all the same.

I also enjoy every time Enrique from the church catches me with another instrument. He has often tried to get me to be a part of the worship team. And it's not that I don't want to, but the timing is usually off--I'm gone one weekend for a camp, another for something with OM, another for a long weekend vacation, etc. etc.

But oh his face when he saw me playing the guitar (I learned "I won't give up" by Jason Mraz!!!). Good times! In addition our short conversations to and from the girls' institute. Very thankful for his family, as I am now thinking about the encounter between his wife and I while we looked for kiddos for Escuelita this past Saturday.

Brings a smile to my face!

Oh the great peace that surpasses all understanding!
Chau, me.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Cariñosa

I like this word. It refers to someone who is very sweet and cuddly. So what makes me like this word when I am not the sweetest nor cuddliest person around? Maybe it has something to do with the way it rolls off the tongue.

Cariñosa... o cariñoso.. if you want to refer to a male.

I would describe Ale from the institute as cariñosa. She has been very sweet as of late, and also very open with her life to me. We celebrated Día del Niño with the church yesterday, where I participated in the short puppet show as your stand in malavarista, or juggler. Of course, I had to make sure Luciano came, so I left the house early to drop by the institute and pick them up. On our walk back from all the excitement, Ale and I had a chance to talk about the father of Luciano.

"He just jokes around too much, when we need to be serious," she tells me.

So I asked her if she has ever thought about making a list of what is most important for a man in her life. She said no, and I gave her some examples that come from my own list. She nodded in agreement with how necessary it appeared to be. As we waited at the bus stop, she gave me a huge hug. It seemed like she needed reassurance that her decision to be through with the inconsistent father of Morena was plausible.

On Monday, she was the only girl in the Institute. As both she and I are quite tired of making bracelets, we decided to play Chinchon instead and we laughed and chatted the whole time. It is cute to see her patience with me when it comes to the language; then Luciano comes up and sits on my lap.

As of now, he calls me "So-ro-sho". hehe

I think about this year, and how far we have come in such a short time. Or better yet, how much I have gotten to witness God move in the life of Ale and her son in such a short time. I daydream about what He has in store for her next. If I will be in the picture or not. I pray for a good man for Ale, and that she becomes a strong woman of God.

love and chau, me.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Fresh look on the Santa Cena

Santa Cena = Communion

And prepare yourself now for a Spanglish post. (you can use Google Translator)

Every beginning of the month, our church celebrates Communion. After the two sections of music, three sections of prayer interspersed, and the predica, we arrive to a moment of sharing the bread and the wine.

I was thinking about Bethlehem esta vez. We are studying Ruth in the youth group on Saturday evenings, and we took time the first week to look at the significance of each name. Ruth, and this surprised me, means "Faithful companion." How perfect is that, considering that she stays with Naomi even though there is no promise for a future for her (see Ruth 1:11-13 and Luke 14:25-27)? We find that Naomi means "pleasant", but she changes her name to Mara, "bitterness", because she feels her whole life is no longer destined to be sweet and pleasant, but full of amargura. The list goes on.

Up to Bethlehem, the place that Naomi and Elimelech left in order to live in Moab. The place Ruth and Naomi would return after the LORD provided food again. What does Bethlehem mean in the original Hebrew?

House of bread.

From this small town of Bethlehem, a place from which people thought no one important could come, comes the Bread of Life.

Jesus said to them, "Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." John 6:32-33

And then Jesus breaks the bread and says, "Eat this in remembrance of me."

What's crazy about this is he's changing the meaning of the Passover meal that they are celebrating. What was meant for a celebration of escaping Egypt -- REMEMBERING all that God had done in setting them free -- would now be a celebration of the death of Jesus. His blood spilt for us, setting us free from sin and death.

Speaking of the blood..

In Latin America, they are not afraid to use wine for the blood of Christ. And in Argentina, a true wine country (Malbec, anybody?), it is GOOD stuff. Sarah and I used to joke about how for the Santa Cena we ought to skip the blood simply because we would be thinking so much about the flavor than what it stood for.

But this night, I decided that it would be worth it to take in the rich flavor of el vino. As the flavor enveloped the cavity of my mouth I meditated on what it means to be filled by the Holy Spirit. And how with this sabor, all of life is changed.

All of life is richer. Much, much better.

Preciosa sangre, que mi vida cambió,
Mis pecados mis culpas lavó,
A quedado atrás el pasado sin Dios.

Fue en esa cruz, donde la historia cambió
Donde mi vida tomó otro sentido,
Donde encontré la razón de vivir.

Indeed, it makes my heart sing.

Chau!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Update

I am falling behind on writing my update and in my blog. Not that I haven't been thinking about these things, but the language is getting a little bit more difficult to do so. How do I explain it? It's like, I know what I want to say, but the English is failing me. Even writing this first paragraph has been strenuous. How many times I have had to delete, or add words, in order for the grammar to be correct. At least I don't have to worry about spelling.

Enough with the rambling. God is good. Pray tell...

For one, Flor from the institute has changed so much! What once was a timid gal who was originally thinking of not having her baby, is now a confident young woman. She used to get frustrated at not understanding how to make the bracelets. Ahora, she makes 3 a day without flinching. In addition, Eva has been giving classes on how to make various types of purses (out of yarn, cloth; by sewing, crotcheting, etc.), which both Ale and Flor have been coming to. One week when Ale couldn't come, Flor didn't want to fly solo. For the past two weeks, she has come on her own.

She is enthusiastic to see us each time we walk through the door, no longer hiding in her room. It truly is amazing.

So we pray for Flor, hoping that she will have a desire to come to church. I have invited her, but she comes up with a new excuse every time.

Similar to my experience at the gym I used to go to, I have gotten to know some of the women with whom I swim. A lot of them are curious about the 26 year old North American living in Cordoba, and a lot of conversations have opened up as to why I do what I do. One woman, Perla, recently had surgery and probably won't be coming to swim for awhile. Pray for courage on my end to remember to visit her, and take advantage of this type of opportunity.

I don't want to say finally, because that would put a limit on God's goodness--a limit that just simply doesn't exist. But in terms of this blog post, it is the last thing I will include.

I am blessed with the privilege to go to Chaco this upcoming weekend! Last year, I had every intention of going during the winter break, but plans fell through. On the contrary, this year, it is as if God has opened every available door for me to go. I will be attending a seminar given by Lucas Leys on Christian Intelligence, and then on Sunday, the church I have gotten to be a part of is celebrating their personal version of Thanksgiving--a tradition they have celebrated for several years. Oh yeah, and another plus, Sol is coming with me! Very excited!!!!

Like I said, God is good. There continues to be many things I don't understand about His goodness, but for now I am just going to be thankful and put my trust in Him. Oh, and pray like mad.

Chau.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Pavada... for Sharon

This is what happens when Sharayah is super tired, and needs to do something so as not to fall asleep during the sermon.



Don't get me wrong. It was a good sermon about how sometimes God brings us to times of desperation so that his love can spread to the ends of the earth. But if I hadn't drawn the elephant, I would have missed everything...

Chau.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

"Jesús, llevame con vos"

Thus were the final words of Marta Rodriguez.

I can't begin to tell you the rollercoaster of emotions that followed. I can't begin to describe the cries of desperation for their mother; the sobs of grief mixed with a quiet prayer from Nieves I was blessed to hear:

"Te amo, Dios. Te amo."

Thank you God for being our consolation in times of suffering. May you continue to comfort the Rodriguez family in this sad and perhaps confusing time.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Time

Marta has been given hours to live.

I must say I don't even know where to start praying. I had a feeling a week or two ago that I should start petitioning for recovery. And yet, to see her pain this past Monday, I also don't want her to suffer.

Then there are a flood of events that seem to be converging at the same time. I just don't have enough time to do everything, to please everybody.. I didn't go to youth group again tonight so that I could finish the lesson for Escuelita in the morning, and make drastic changes to the Cordoba Immersions schedule (that begins on Tuesday!).

Nevertheless, we always make time for the things we love. Cough cough.. BATMAN.. cough.. the saxophone.. etc. etc.

In other news, I have been reading, and lack but one chapter to finish, Scripture and the Authority of God by N.T. Wright. It is a challenging read, but has brought me to an interesting new consideration about God's rest.

"[John] Walton insists that in the ancient world anyone reading about something being built by a god in six days or stages would know that it was basically a temple, a dwelling for the god himself or herself. And what the god would do after the six days of construction was not simply to stop working and have some time off. The god would enter the newly constructed house and 'rest' there--in the sense of 'taking his ease,' taking up residence and being at peace in his new home. This gives quite a new perspective on the Genesis sabbath institution. If Walton is right, it has to do with the creator's enjoyment of his world, his celebration of heaven and earth as a dwelling for himself."*

Which means Jesus entered the world to dwell or "take his ease" just like the LORD God had done in Genesis. Jesus became the new Sabbath in whom we find rest. We look at time differently. We look at space differently too. Taking the temple concept and what we read about our bodies being the temple, we realize that God is now dwelling inside of us.

I can't seem to write this eloquently, but I want to mention that I have this gut feeling that it was God's plan all along. His timing is perfect. Do we trust him?

Chau.

*p. 148

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Just another week

Have I lost the "wow" factor for these blog posts? Sometimes I wonder if I'm getting lazy, or things are just getting so normal, I don't know what to tell any more.

I mean, there's the story of being sick, but how God still gave me enough strength to swim in the morning, and I was able to share Jesus with a woman in the lane next to me (as well as meet a fellow Christian in another lane!).

And there are the constant changes I see in Luciano. How he behaves so much better these days, and is even more enthusiastic to give me besos when we finish our time together. I have a current dream of teaching him some instrument so that he can have something to focus on. Which instrument, and who exactly will teach him? Still two questions to be resolved.

Next week begins Cordoba Immersions camp, Lord willing. It is going through some rough patches these days, but we will remain faithful. May God use the camp, and us who work in it, to make his name great!!!

The Rodriguez mom is still fighting. I went to visit the family on Monday and it was truly tough for me to see her so weak. I don't know what counts as good or better in cases like these, but she's there. I talked with Mariela today about it and she is tired. She is struggling to find the strength to keep supporting her mom from moment to moment (although to be clear, everyone is helping out, but it's a large task, obviously). And as for the dad, he hasn't been able to sleep a lot lately.

Things to be praying about.

Umm... yeah. That's that. Chau!!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Se salió

I've had this bracelet, if you can call it that, around my right wrist for several years now. You know the people who save those bracelets you get at conferences, trying to see how long they last without having to cut them off?

This was similar. And successful in that I literally never took it off. But now, it is done. haha. So grave sounding.

I put it on during Mark Poshak's wedding back when I lived in Colorado. I was about to embark on a new journey, not just because it is what led me to Córdoba, but because it was the first day of singleness after the last boyfriend.

It was a purple ribbon, because purple was the other color for the wedding, and there was something that was said during the speeches that I didn't want to forget. In fact, I even wrote a little bit about it in the moment. So you can read on here in this blog, or you can just read the other version--it's still pretty valid.

But I guess what's new is that I'm okay with losing the bracelet. While it was a constant reminder to love well, I must confess of many moments in which I haven't. Period. And just because a bracelet no longer will stay on the wrist, doesn't mean I have forgotten the truth of our need to do the best that we can to love others, and have the grace to forgive ourselves when we don't do it so well.

The cool thing about being in Argentina is the trendiness of wearing bracelets. I am now adorned with plenty of others to remind me to love others--2 from Alejandra, telling me how thankful she is to be my friend (I am more thankful, I think!), one from Gladys who continues to ask me to give it to her as a gift (so funny), and one of the colors of Argentina, to think of the many ways in which God has brought me here. He is so faithful!

That's all I had to say about that. Chau!

Saturday, July 14, 2012

"You make things lighter"

Sole is one of the workers in the institute. She greeted us with a smile, and introduced us to her friend. Before I get to into this, let me bring you up to speed. Not only are we selling bracelets, Ale is selling figurines of porcelana fría:

..and now we are selling what we cook each Friday. It began with pastelitos (which the girls then sold again, when I wasn't there, having used the money they earned to buy the ingredients), then pasta frola, and yesterday--empanadas arabes.

Cooking and selling has been my plan the whole time, but the girls usually just eat what we make. So I made the most of it by enjoying the various conversations we've been able to have in the kitchen, or serving mate while we wait for the food to cook. It's always been a blessing. 

The girls themselves finally "came up" with the idea to sell. And of course, I used Amanda Kingry's famous phrase, "we can make that happen."

Yesterday was most intriguing in that this time, the girls called ahead of time with their plan of action. I bought the ingredients, and Ale even came over earlier in the morning to pick them up, so they could get started before I got there.

When I arrived, we just had to stuff the discs (made from scratch!) and cook. Oh, and did I mention that they had already talked to buyers, so all that was left to sell on our own was one dozen (out of 6). Impressive.

In all of this, I am most encouraged that I don't have to do too much other than show up. We laugh and talk and play together (the last one mainly is applicable to the children obviously), and every now and then, we get a deeper conversation. Yesterday, I also realized how much the girls will make fun of each other, so I am currently praying for a way to encourage positive words.

Aside: Gladys is funny when it comes to positive words. Every time she says "Please," she looks at me to say, "Teacher, you taught me how important to say please for things." Chuckle.

And so here we are, greeted by the smile of Sole and her friend. Sole had helped with the making of the empanadas before I got there--very grateful to her for that as well as many other things! She turns to her friend, "We love it when Sharayah comes to visit." Then she looks at me, "You make things lighter around here."

I was abashed. "Well, I'm not so sure about that," I say. "But it is a blessing to come and be with you guys!"

What a concept though. Obviously, this is a colloquialism, because I have never heard a person from the States give that sort of compliment. I suppose it has to do with the weight of the world, and when someone comes and you forget your troubles, you certainly feel a bit lighter. Kind of beautiful the image, no?

So I am thinking that this is the person I will strive to continue to be. Although we live in a world of pain and suffering, much more than we can ever bear, let us carry each others' burdens, and make things lighter for one another. Sounds biblical to me! :)

love and chau.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

"el cuerpo está confundido"

It started yesterday when I went outside in shorts. Now to you North Americans reading this, that doesn't sound so bad. But when you remember that I'm south of your hemisphere--that it is winter time here--you then begin to understand the insanity.

I must say, it wasn't too cold (thank you four years in Chicago), but it wasn't a day to be wearing shorts even if I made up for it with the jacket.

Then today, I continued to learn "Pecho." For those of you who don't know, with the knee issues, I have decided to take up swimming. No pressure on the dear rodilla, and a form of exercise that is quite fun.

As of late, I have been working on resistance; trying to swim 50 meters non stop. My profe (as we call her) has taught me better form in the freestyle ("Crol" which translates to crawl) and the backstroke (simply put, "Espalda" or back). On Friday, we began the basics of the breast stroke (ahem, "Pecho").

There is a LOT of coordination that goes into the breast stroke. Breathe - kick - 3 seconds - stroke - raise up above the water and breathe, etc. etc. So after 350m (with a few breaks) of the first two styles, the profe said it was time to work on the breast stroke again. I laughed to myself when she said she wanted me to do an entire vuelta (50m) and see how it goes.

Which is why, when I returned and she asked me how it went, I told her that my body is confused.

Everyone laughed and I felt like my job had been done. haha.

Chau.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Would you rather..?

Do you remember these questions? I remember a trip to Busch Gardens in Virginia with a truck full of teenagers, and one of the boys reading question after question of whether you would rather fart pink smoke or sneeze blue bubbles (or something outrageous to that affect).

Thankfully, some of the questions were more serious. We would find ourselves in conversations about death and how we live. Jesus himself has a really great would you rather question that I would like to take some time to discuss. It goes like this:

Would you rather follow me and find life, or gain the whole world and forfeit your soul? (See Matthew 16:24-27)


The bottom line is I don't want to miss it. Then again, who does?

Let's consider a situation I had this weekend where I missed it.* Every Friday, I go to cook with the teenage girls in the institute. They are now not only learning to bake or cook, but learning how to sell what we make so that they can save money to buy various items for their children. Which means that it is helpful that I don't go alone. Someone is needed to teach; someone is needed to play with the kids; someone is also needed for those who can't help in the kitchen due to space, to pass the time drinking mate or chatting or playing cards.

A cultural issue to be conscious of is not only do most volunteers not arrive on time, but they are inconsistent. I have found myself, ahem, consistently, trying to develop the need for faithfulness to commitments the volunteers have made (even if the title volunteer might express otherwise). So when I received the phone call from the girls that they couldn't come, I used a phrase I had learned from my mentor, "Then who will help?" It is a question aimed at the desire to make the person(s) aware of their commitment.

I asked them to pray for someone to come in their place. When I hung up, I went into a mini panic mode seeking someone to accompany me for the visit that would take place in less than 2 hours. The same answer was heard from every person. "No."

I stopped to pray in my room. "Peace, Lord. I need peace."

In last resort, I asked the brother of the sisters who normally come with me to take their place. He said he would talk with them and see. In a few minutes, he told me he would come. Exhale.

At the same time, while I was asking him, my mentor happened to be close by. She grabbed my arm, lovingly, and says, "Their mom is really sick today." Now, I know that Friday is the day for chemotherapy for Marta, the mom of this family of persons who serve so much. But I didn't understand why she told me what she did. Of course she is sick! She has cancer!

But he said yes..

.. only for minutes before leaving, he tells me no. "I am so sorry, but I have to go to the hospital now."

I was frustrated because I needed, or thought that I needed, someone to come with me. On the bike ride over, I was praying for wisdom on what to do. It's not like I haven't gone by myself plenty of times, but this time felt different for some reason. Then a prayer, coming from what seemed out of nowhere, escaped my lips. It was as if straight from that verse in Romans:

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (Romans 8:26)


My prayer was, to my surprise, "God, don't let Marta die this weekend. Don't let her die the same weekend as Sol's birthday. I don't want Sol to have any bitterness on a day meant for celebration."

I continued on my way, and the time at the institute turned out to be nice. In fact, I had a rare encounter with a sad Gladys. Her aunt had promised her to spend the weekend together, but she didn't come. I reaffirmed the permission for Gladys to come with us to church on Sunday, and this seemed to make her happy for the moment. Poor girl, as if she hasn't had enough feeling of abandonment in her lifetime.

Overwhelmed from the day (Fridays are full from morning to the middle of the night), I decided to stay home and just read and study the Word. The week in general had not allowed too much time in Bible study, so I wanted to make the most of what few hours left in the week to do so.

In the middle of this time, the girls called again to talk with Laura. I had a chance to ask how things went for them, and to tell them that I had been praying. "Thanks Sharayah, yeah, everything went well." Secondly, Sol texted me to say that there would not be a party for her birthday on Saturday after all; we would celebrate another day. I called her to make sure everything was okay. I was more insistent than usual, because for the first time, the situation felt more grave than I had imagined. "No, no, everything is fine," she tells me again and again.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. (Psalm 4:5)


Went to the girls' house for a Bible study in the afternoon, and decide to stay with them for awhile longer. We made pepas, played cards, laughed..

The doctor came over to check up on Marta. The doctor also happens to be my mentor. She mentions to someone else who had come for a visit, "I didn't think Marta would make it to today. She was hanging by a thread." That was when it hits me that the situation was much worse than what everyone had been communicating to me. Or at least, how I felt that everyone was communicating with me.

Because no one wants to deal with death, so no one says how they are really feeling. I can understand that.

Equally difficult is pointing at one or the other and say, "You are in sin, and that's why this and this happened." Or even say, "You are right to do this, because.." I try to include as many details as I possibly can to help us all realize that every situation is very complicated.

We are messy people who just have to admit that we were wrong. Ahem.. I was wrong. I missed it.

I don't want to miss it.

Which is why I come back to Jesus' question of "Would you rather..?" I would rather have been more aware of the situation; to not have been so stupid in being angry with those who told me they couldn't come. To realize the prayer that the Spirit instilled in me should have made me more gracious with my friends.

I don't think Jesus' question points only to the choice between following him once and for all. I think it has to do with our daily act of being aware of his kingdom here and now. Will we be aware of what God is doing among us as we read/type/breathe? Aware of the greatest commandment to not only love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and stuff**, but to love our neighbor as ourselves?

I would rather be ignorant of the material world, and aware of the needs of my friends. The stuff of life will never love me the way that my friends will. Even if their love is imperfect, it is much more satisfying than my computer, bicycle, saxophone, or even less tangible, knowledge. If I pour my life into these things, I will most certainly have forfeited everything that matters at the end of the day. At the end of my life.

What about you?

Chau.

*The more I am in ministry, the more I am made aware of my mistakes. I thank God for answering my prayers to see those very mistakes more clearly, even if the act of seeing them does not always make me feel good. How important it is to remember "The Lord disciplines those he loves.." In addition, to remember that God is willing to use someone as broken as myself to complete some pretty amazing tasks. I don't understand it, but I am thankful.

**After more study of the Shema, it seems that a better translation for "strength" in this verse would refer to possessions, even money. To love God in showing responsibility for that which he first gave us. If that makes sense..

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Two. More. Years.

I was telling Nieves and Mariela the news. I loved Nieves' reaction, "MORTAL SORAYA!" haha.

Nonetheless, it can be a bit overwhelming. I was drawn back to this quote though:

"Chaos is often a prerequisite to new creation in Scripture. When we try prematurely to regain control of something chaotic there is a good chance we could undercut the very thing God is doing among us. If only we had the eyes to see the emerging order that, while alien to our sensibilities, is nevertheless present."

Because here is where the chaos enters. There's the support raising, the visa renewing, the balancing of work and rest. The emails, the phone calls, the airplane rides.

And yet this promise of new creation is comforting. Dios, todo está en tus manos. Te confío.

Gracias, amor, y chau.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

The obstacles

The intention was to simply make some pastelitos and encourage a couple of the girls in selling them to buy yet another baby crib. I sat down with Belen and Flor, explaining the various initial costs of the materials needed, the time factor, etc. I then explained how important it is to have an idea of how much you want to sell them for, perhaps marking a discount if customers want to buy half a dozen or a dozen.

I told them to fix a day each week, find their donor, y ta. (I must apologize, but even as I type this, I can't help thinking there are phrases in Spanish that cut to the point so much better than if I were to write them in English).

The girls learned how easy it is to make these sweets, and were animadas.. umm.. excited to start selling right away. I asked permission from the director, but was clear that this was not my intention. She gave us permission, and within an hour and within one square block, we sold 4 dozen.

84 pesos - 25 pesos in materials = 59 pesos

Not bad. Not amazing, but a great start. I got a text this morning from Ale asking where I bought the materials because they wanted to try again today.

Another phone call later in the day, and I hear that someone has stolen 200 pesos from Ale (from the 800 earned for selling 130 bracelets recently). "I don't understand why these things keep happening to me," she says. (She had been robbed of 100 pesos in May.)

She adds that they tried to sell 5 dozen pastelitos today, but they couldn't sell all of them. "But at least we tried."

I am reminded of The Alchemist. When we first have a dream, everything seems to push us forward. But after awhile comes the testing to see if we are willing to persevere to achieve our goal. I told Ale this--that while she is becoming a better person, everything will try to push her back. I said that I was sorry it happened, but I am sure they would be able to recover the money.

Then I said that people can be pretty flaky. One day, they want membrillo, and the next they want batata. Unpredictable, but you keep going. In the end, if you earn even just a little more than you spent, you're on the right track. After all, we are already almost a third of the way to buying the crib for Flor's baby (boy! we found out it's a boy on Friday!).

Chau, and sorry for the bad English.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Arañita y besitos

This little man is Luciano. I've mentioned him before. He is the son of Ale, and I can still remember seeing him again when they moved back into the institute. He saw me and the rest of us, screamed NOOOOOOOOO and ran off.

He was a hitter, and a screamer.

He still is a cryer.

And when we finished our visits, he never wanted to give us kisses, as is the tradition for greetings of hello and goodbye.

To be honest, today I was very tired. We had an almost all-nighter due to today being a day off from school (Happy Flag Day, Argentina). I didn't sleep well, and had a major headache all morning. Worse, when I arrived, my stomach was killing me.

This is included to also say that I hadn't prepared anything. I brought the game Uno and Jenga, some string to make bracelets if they wanted.. and some mate. Naturally.

But as it turns out, I got to see some beautiful things. Despite the pain; despite the unpreparedness.

Sidebar. I don't want to undermine preparation. I believe it is very necessary, but it is not the end goal. And while I am usually much better at preparing for my time with the gals, I don't let unpreparedness stop me from going all together.

We had a fantastic time. It began slow as all the girls looked at me with my two options. But as we started, everyone got into it, laughing at the fall of the tower. Getting excited about winning a round of Uno.

At one point however, I had to go to the bathroom. Let me make it clear that I HAD TO GO TO THE BATHROOM.

It was not pretty, and I apologize for the probable mental image just then.

So Nieves took my place in the card game, which left me to return to taking care of the kiddos Luciano and Maria Luz (ML has returned! Hooray!!). Luciano was using the blocks from Jenga to make a domino effect. Maria Luz built a couple of little towers on her own, only to knock them down. Oh how we laughed and laughed. And what surprised me most was watching Luciano share the blocks with Maria Luz. Or maybe it was to hear Maria Luz say, "'Ca 'ta!" when she built her little tower.

I began to play "Arañita" with the two, which means I made my hand act like a spider and it would crawl up their arms to tickle their necks. Which of course, is most fun when you don't even touch the kid and he or she are laughing any way. While I was making the silly noises that accompanied this, I realized that everyone was staring at me.. laughing.

hehe.

The girls asked us to stay for merienda. Which means our normal hour and a half, stretched out to 2 and a half. It's such a privilege to be wanted by them. That they actually enjoy our presence, because sometimes that's all we can give them.

When we made our way home, Luciano jumped on the back of my bike. He has made it a tradition to ride on the back from the front door to the gate. It's adorable. He has also made it a tradition to give me kisses. Besos he yells.. such a contrast to what we had first known.

Chau!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Lessons from Cinema pt 4

It's been awhile since I've commented on movies that I have watched, and well, it has a lot to do with the fact that I am not watching as many as I had in my former life.

Former life.. what does that even mean? Perhaps something to do with the fact that movies were a lot more easily rentable, were in English, and not pirated.*

But let us ignore these facts and get on with the show. First scene, to your right, comes from the daughter in the movie Moneyball. Obvious reasons for enjoying this movie? Baseball.

It was also a movie that surprised me because Brad Pitt's character is driven by regret and his daughter. Ignoring the first one because it is complex and somewhat over discussed, I want to simply say, "Awwww." While there are so many things going for him by the end of the film, he chooses to stay in California because he doesn't want to be away from her.

How often does that happen in the movies? (Again, ignoring that this is based on a true story) Usually the guy makes an error based on money.. or perhaps that's exactly what he had been doing his whole life. And he finally gets it.

While the remainder of the world may not have liked the ending the movie gave us, rest assured all the girls did! haha



Yes, yes. I am very late in the game in watching this movie. Nonetheless, a few comments.

Bill Murray--HILARIOUS.

Lots of inappropriate moments. Seems to be the Woody Harrelson way.. and yet at the same time, a good ending.

Trying to show the need for community in a broken world. Sound familiar? You can find a cry for being accepted in a "family" in the strangest of places sometimes.
Obvious reasons for enjoying this movie? Do I really need to say it? haha.

But in all seriousness, the gems of this flick are in two quotes:

"All you need is 20 seconds of courage."

and..

"Why would a beautiful girl like you ever in her lifetime talk with me?"
"Why not?"

End of story. Chau!

*My friend just borrowed a movie someone gifted me recently, but couldn't open it on her computer because it was the real deal. Simply ridiculous!

Late on purpose

I have had so many experiences where the bus doesn't come on time. As a result, I decide not to get angry about it, but to simply let it be, explain why when I get where I am going, but more importantly, see if there was a reason.

When we went to the youth group retreat back in March, we were waiting for what seemed like forever for the La Calera colectivo to pass by. There was one seat left for us, and I ended up getting to sit by someone who not only was taking care of a gal from the States, but he also used to live on the same street on which I take up residence now in Córdoba!

Or back in the spring of last year, when I got to know a woman with a Russian background. Or the other gal from when I was going home after a long day with Noemí.

Or the other day when I was waiting for the bus to get to Sol's. I can only take one of 3 of the buses that stop close to our house, and it seemed like the ole R8 just wasn't going to come. Then my friend Inti passed by and we had a chance to chat a little bit. Nothing too important, but we had a good laugh.

He walks on, the R8 makes its way over. Hmm..

Perhaps the culture in Argentina allows me to be more open to being late. The stress of being on time in the States is much higher; the consequences much more severe. While here, persons are granted hours of "errand time" in which they may or may not be doing something work related. It's not a bad thing at all, if you ask me.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Morena

She was born last Thursday at 6:17 in the morning (I read the time wrong, dad!). Unfortunately, I didn't get the text message until 6:40pm that this was so, which made for a pretty hectic run to the hospital to see the beautiful, 3.25 kg, little girl.

It was all a part of God's plan though, since He gave me the opportunity to share the gospel with the taxi driver, AND I got to see Ale and Morena even though visiting hours were already over!

I don't have much more to say because her beauty speaks for itself. She was born healthy, and Ale is already back in the institute. Well, we're both busily making bracelets now.. per usual...

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Wisdom beyond her years

Alejandra continues to surprise me. Here is this 17 year old that sure, has made poor decisions, but seems to be quickly learning from her mistakes.

(On the other hand, there I am, having made plenty of poor decisions, but taking my precious time to learn from them.)

It was Ale who recognized that her friends weren't very good for her, so she started coming to church with us. It was Ale who made a list of how many bracelets we need to make and what price we should sell them at to make the most of an opportunity we have with Steph and Joy (they want to give them as gifts for their supporters).

And today, she recognized some frustration that was building up in the institute, so she figured it was better to avoid trouble than be a cause for tensions to rise. To live at peace with everyone.

I told her the decision was pretty Biblical, and it made her smirk. She knows that I sneak in the Bible and Jesus as often as possible because I so want these to be a part of her life.

Any way, so today I was proud of her. We talked a little in her room, which is really part of a common area where all the girls stay. I realized how much change has gone on in her life and thought about this wisdom she seems to have. Perhaps it is God's gift that will flourish all the more when she puts everything in his hands!

love and chau.

Monday, June 4, 2012

An interesting realization


It's nothing new for me to say that I'm not a fan of kids. I know how bad that sounds, but it's absolutely true. I've learned a lot since my time coming to Argentina; and I can appreciate all the work that goes into teaching them and loving them.. but in the end, I definitely stick with pre-teens and teens.

Enter Dara.

Dara is the daughter of my mentor. All last year, she came to Escuelita, and of all the kids, I struggled with her the most. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I respect her mom so much, any time she caused trouble, it irked me more than it should have. "How come your mom is so great, and you are such a rebel?" I thought to myself.

Victim of the missionary kid syndrome; we project the expectations of the parents on the children.

I realized that I was in the wrong, but also made an effort to avoid her so I wouldn't be so frustrated anymore. So much for being a good missionary (though that's nothing new).

But then recently, in our Friday morning Bible study with the OM team, the father of Dara mentioned that he and his wife were feeling convicted about how they raise their kids. They asked for prayer to be better at being attentive to them. At really spending one-on-one time with them, and the prayer request gave me pause. I should have been praying about my time with Dara too!

Two weeks later, Dara asked if I would lead a game for her birthday. She told her mom, "Sharayah always has good games." My eyes were widened to the possibility that we were finally warming up to each other. I even found myself making time to chat with Dara during Escuelita, or during church, or when she was at the house during team meetings.

And this past Saturday was a new experience: she came to me to ask how I was doing. She asked about a specific thing going on in my life, and I was touched. We laughed together. Her mom later told me about how we had laughed together.

Some of this has to do with God changing me, and some of it has to do with Dara's parents making more time for her... all of it has to do with God. Obviously.

Chau.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Five birthdays in one

The midnight of, I was eating with Maria Elena (much like I'll be doing in a few hours from now...). Due to various plan confusions, they forgot it was my birthday. No big deal; I just like hanging out with them. On top of that, Johnny made a drawing for me which I should be receiving tonight!

And so we get to midnight, and they turn off the lights. Johnny comes in with a muffin that has a candle in it. "Que los cumple.." they begin to sing. Oh, how it made me laugh when we divided the "cake" into six for all that were present.

Came home to chat with mom and dad, and my friend had made me a video to welcome in the 26th year of life.

For lunch, Flor made me pizza, while her sister made a pasta frola that served as cake. Betania's.. ahem.. good friend.. and I toasted (raspberry liquor offered by mama Silvia) to the tastiness of it all.

Came home and got to Skype with Mark, Beth and Nolan. Weeee... so wonderful to see them! Nolan spent time building little towers with his blocks and kicking them down. Although, the best part was when I would ask him to give me a kiss, and I watched as he kissed the screen.

Everybody with me: awwwwwwwww

Then Solcita and I went to see the Men in Black 3, or Hombres in Negro, if you prefer the castellano. I was surprised that it was actually a pretty good story. Of course, I've always been a fan of playing with time (hence Star Trek). We came home to a little Chinchon and mate. Can't have my Argentine birthday without mate!!! That is when she also gave me a flash drive that carried a video from her and her sisters singing to me.

That was that for the day of, but on Saturday, my favorite ados and a few others from the OM team went bowling.

We numbered ten, which made for a perfect 5 v. 5 competition. Although I must say, aside from winning, hehe, the most exciting part for me was getting to see a few of those gals bowl for the very first time in their life!! They (Mariela, Nieves and Mily) did quite well!!

Ate some hawaiian pizza, and perhaps there was a little bit of karaoke. :)

On Sunday, all I knew was there was a meeting with the Santa Rosa leaders to plan for the months of June and July. I was planning on meeting with a friend (much more on her later!), so I started making may way toward the door...

Then Vanina, you may remember her from helping out in Chaco, brought out what I can only call a tortasa:

It was a lovely surprise, and it made me even happier to get to celebrate what God is doing with all sorts of friends! So blessed am I!

Chau,
Sharayah "Yoda" L.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

I guess that's called compassion

It's easy to complain, you know? I have this weird knee issue going on right now. But in the end, this too shall pass.

Because in the same week of finding out that the ligament of my knee is stretched to it's limit, my best friend Sol found out that her mom has cancer. The bad kind. The really bad kind. Which means her brother, serving in Thailand, has to make a decision.

I can't imagine what this situation is like.

I went to visit Flor last week and we talked about the news with her mom. After her mom left, Flor and I continued to talk. She has several good friends that have been making poor decisions. Some of them believers.

Neither of us came to a point of judging, because we believe in the age old mantra of "Me too." I am just as capable of making a stupid decision that can ruin everything. I pray against it, but I don't ever want to think of myself above anyone.

It's why we need Jesus.

But with all of this.. I couldn't keep going. I was hurting on the inside. "Can we stop and pray?" I asked her. "I am too overwhelmed with sorrow."

And I think that I wasn't just empathizing. I think that I was feeling something much stronger.. I couldn't hold back the tears.

I felt a huge peace afterward. Even though I don't think "everything will be all right" in the sense that we might understand it as humans, it will work out for the good.

I couldn't stop thinking about Jesus. Is what I have been feeling for the Rodriguez family and Flor's friends similar to the compassion he had on the masses who were hungry? If it is, let me also admit that it is a fraction of a corner of an eyelash of the type of compassion he had. Nada que ver, digamos..

Any way, there it is. Chau!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

English version

In case you have no idea what was going on in the previous post, here comes another version. Different, because things have advanced even further. I just happen to know there are a couple of Spanish-speaking readers out there, and even if just three, I want to include them if I can (horrible Spanish and all! jaja).

Ale. She stopped to ask me if she could use the money we have collected from the bracelets to support the kids in Escuelita. Before she could ask she told me how she was embarrassed to ask. As if something inside her is changing, and she can't explain it. Or at least, that's how I translated it.

Today, I had a talk with the director. The Director director. A woman that always makes me feel like I've done something wrong even though we have yet to have a bad conversation. There's just something intimidating about her, you know the kind?

She had asked me to come to her office on Monday, but we couldn't due to some visitors. So today I sheepishly walked to her office. It turned out she just wanted to see how things were going, and we ended up talking about each of the girls. She too recognizes the positive changes in Ale, and shared a story that I had been unclear about.

Ale used to have a friend come visit her all the time. This friend was not a positive influence, and they had even snuck off together to go to the boliches, or dances that take place at 2 and 3 in the morning. Recently, this friend came to visit. When she left, and Ale went to check on her money box, she was missing 100 pesos. No other person could have taken it except this "friend."

"Normally," the director shares. "Normally when someone did her wrong, Ale would start crying and yelling and accusing. This time she just came up to me and told me what had happened. She was worried, and didn't know what to do, but she didn't get angry."

And on top of this, from the money that remains, she wants to help out the children at our church.

I want to cry at how beautiful the stories God writes can be.

Chau!