The Beach Weekend

Visiting an artist's house in Punta del Este

 

Some of his work

The view from the artist's balcony.

His artistic architecture "fight against the line"

South American heart loving the beach!

 

Boat ride to the Ombu Forest

Ombu Tree!

Our day hostel in Cabo Polonio

The Goodness of Study Abroad

          Most university students spend the weekend before finals studying like crazy.  While studying abroad, however, we had a beach vacation without books or any other form of study the weekend before final projects and exams.  With the amount of study and exertion given before and after our weekend break, we had worked rigorously for the break... pause... breath... relaxation.... Then the swells of schoolwork woke up again and caused jostling currents of climaxing classes. But for the time of rest, it was a wonderful time of refreshment.
          For our mini travel, we went to the place of our first free weekend: La Paloma and Cabo Polonio.  Before arriving, I was curious as to if this time would mirror our first experience.  I came to learn that when staying in opposite sides of town, in different levels of expense lodging, with varying people, and in contrasting seasons, a whole new experience can be had.  It was a good remembrance of change while glorifying the beauty of new opportunities despite repetitive circumstances.

Thanksgiving in South America!

In Uruguay, Thanksgiving is not celebrated, obviously because it is a holiday of the United States.  Since we are a large group of "United Statesians," we decided to do a grand feast, inviting all of our friends and teachers; around fifty people came to the celebration. We had the traditional turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rolls, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, random jellos, and fruit desserts. It was an evening of feasting, fun with friends, community, and sharing of cultures.  For the first time, I felt that I was able to share my culture with others as opposed to them sharing their culture with me. Most of the attending Uruguayans had never had turkey before, even as sandwich meat, because it is not imported into Uruguay as a common industry. [We had to go through the US embassy to get our turkey imported with the ones they imported for themselves for Thanksgiving].  The day was not a typical Thanksgiving day: homework in the morning, class, more homework, eating with people other than my family, not going around saying what everyone was thankful for, and going out with friends afterward. It was a new experience, different than I am used to, but well worth the adventure of the blending and learning of cultures. Thank you Jesus for all of His rich giving!

Turning Tables

This past Thursday, a small group of us, the beginning Spanish speakers, were all invited into our professor's home when the zoo field trip fell through. We met her family, which included her husband. The very next day, we received news that we would not be having Spanish class because our professor's husband was in a coma.  The man that we saw and interacted with the very day before, who gave us nectarines from the tree, who played with the dogs, who interacted with everyone in the house, was now in a coma. Only two days later, Monday morning, we received news that he passed away Sunday night. My how the tables had turned. This was a penetrating and eye opening experience. To think that you are THE last person someone met. To think that you are one of the last people someone spoke to. To think that you were conversing with a person not even a week ago, but now he is dead. My mind could barely fathom it all. It made me deeply reflect how much we take for granted the time we have with people: the interactions we have with newly made friends and the conversations we hold with loved ones. My eyes have been opened to the importance of the present. While holding fast to the hope of the future in the Lord, the present moment may be someone's last, may be our last. Praise Jesus that He knows what tables will turn before they do, so that we may trust in Him with our every day and every moment.

Perfect Montevidean Weekend

          Saturday started off right. After 11 hours of sleep, I woke up to go run the "One World Run" 5K.  The 5K always takes a lot of mental determination and discipline to finish though, but it felt so wonderful to have accomplished the feat in 28 minutes.  Not only were in inner endorphins pumping and feeling great, but the visual stimulus of the beach and palm tree surroundings were also invigorating.  After our group finished through, we all were treated to ice cream! Nothing like a refreshing lemon and raspberry sherbet to cool off with! After our bus ride back to Casa, a group of us went to our favorite burger joint, Lucas.  We figured after running, we deserved to treat ourselves, ice cream then hamburgers! Great food after a run! My roommate and I went looking around the outdoor market for a soccer jersey because the next thing on our agenda for the day was FUTBOL!!! Words just cannot describe what South American futbol games entail. The wild crowds, the enthused spirit, and the lively atmosphere are all so enjoyable.  After the game, came time for dinner at a local Pizzaria, mmmmmm, so good. It was a lovely Saturday back in the Montevidean culture.
          Sunday morning started off right at well. After being spiritually fed by a podcast and worship music and a bit of productive homework time, hitting the fresh air was wonderful.  Lunch with new visitors and walking around at the out door market was a nice remembrance of the culture around me.  Though, seeing a peacock, an owl, and many little parrot chicks all caged uncomfortable pricked my heart. However, getting to pet the puppies and kittens gave a little joy. Buying gifts both at the market and the store was another bit of joy. I won't lie, buying myself some things too was enjoyable, as usual.  While going about the market, the couple of us were talked to in different ways than usual. Usually people can tell that we are American. This time we were mistaken once for being French, and another time for being Brazilian; it was worth a laugh. All in all, the weekend was one enormous blessing of being welcomed back into Montevideo's arms.

Zoo! -On Strike?

Our Spanish teacher has been loading us up with homework as a means to make up for the class time that we were going to miss today because of a field trip! The Zoo! While we were walking to it from the bus stop, our teacher was joking with us that we were going to just look from the sidewalk and not go inside.  When we arrived, the gates were closed, and there was a sign that said the workers were gone... on a strike! Our teacher's joke ironically became reality!  I cannot say that I have ever experienced the random "striking" that takes place here.  This has not been the first time either; their striking that randomly shuts down business or even the whole city [if the bus system goes on strike] is a frequent occurence.  When the people strike, they do not usually picket, they simply do not come to work.  I believe their reasoning is, "If I am not going to be working, why go and be out in the heat wasting energy if I can enjoy relaxation at home?"  I enjoy this different mentality; it is very opposite to that of an American mindset.

My Own Bed!

The past four nights, since being back in Montevideo, I have never appreciated my own bed and living space so much!  While we were in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, we were staying at a hostel.  The room was tiny, had two triple level bunk beds with barely enough room for two people to squeeze by each other in the aisle space between the two bunks.  Six people in one itty-bity room made me appreciate how "large" the room is that I am sharing with only one person.  I also am appreciating having my own bed in which there is no person below to make my bed move every time he or she would turn over.  Having my own laptop and my own desk is fantastic in comparison to the community computers that lose internet signal ever 20 minutes and that are occupied 90% of the time.  It is also extremely comfortable to have my clothes in the easy access of a wardrobe as opposed to in a backpack that is crammed in a locker with multiple other bags thrown on top of it.  So many times I have taken for granted all of these things!  It was good to do without these luxuries because now I appreciate all the more than ever before!  So many things are a blessing for the Lord, but little have I realized it until I had to do without for a time. I thank Him that I am so blessed as to only have to do without for a short time, there are many less fortunate.  A time to give thanks in perfect timing for the theme of the season and holiday a week away, Thanksgiving.  I am giving thanks early this year, and hope to continue giving thanks to God as a pattern of life. THANK YOU JESUS!

God With Us

For the latter portion of our adventures in Brazil, an ever present theme blatantly unveiled before our very eyes:

"God With Us"

I would say, "It all started when-" but that would be a false statememtn because God has continually been with us.  Thus, I will begin.

          We first began to notice it all when- we began to recount the details of our botanical garden outing.  The front desk at the hostel gave brief directions, "get on this bus and you will eventually see it."  The instant we reached the bus stop, Michelle, one of us fearless four, jumped on a bus and called us aboard.  We were very disoriented but Michelle's spotting skills had managed to be very accurate (and God with us).  Getting off the bus was another "coincidence"  (or God with us) as right when we were passing the gardens, Michelle went to ask the attendant and Jocelyn struck up a conversation with a local.  Both informing the girls "Get off NOW!" When our visit with the lovely flowers of Brazil ended, we had the task of finding the opposite bus stop.  Before we had reached the point of uneasiness, a kind, English speaking man on a bicycle with his little daughter in the front basked, approached us and asked what we were trying to find.  He pointed us up the road and rode away like a heaven sent angel (and again God with us).

          The next event of non-coincidence was one of the highlights of the trip: Sugar Loaf Mountain.  We again, talked to the front desk of the hostel for directions and information.  As our plan was supposed to go: bus to the site, hike the first hill to avoid additional tram costs, pay 22 Reais for the second tram, come back by bus.  Well, plans did not go as planned, as usual.  When we arrived off the bus, we found out that hiking was not available at dusk, so the price doubled to 44 Reais.   I had foolishly brought the exact amount that I had expected, so as the other girls were already scrounging for enough money to cover themselves, they also were trying to scrounge for me as well.  Some how, some way, we managed to have the perfect amount for 4 full way tickets on the tram, 4 bus rides back, and 4 Reais left over!  It was another obvious moment of "God with us."  As for the breath taking view that followed as we sat atop the city on sugar Loaf Mountain, we absorbed all of the sweetness of the sky turning dark and the glistening city lights slowly consuming the lovely city below.

          Another form of "God with us" was during our tour to the favela, the slum.  Yes, it sounds dangerous, yes there were men with gigantic guns strapped to them, yes we rode on motorcycle taxis, but I felt the most safe there then walking in Rio strangely enough.  The thrill was great and the message was deep.  Seeing the negative cycle of the favela's is hard to even begin to think of if it could ever get better.  However, the people in the favelas, though impoverished, are still people. They are so kind, lively, and enthusiastic.  Learning about others was just another stirring up of love and insight from the Lord.  While there, not knowing what to expect, but fully embracing the culture, I could richly feel the clothing of prayers around our group and the hand of God with us.

          The goodness of the Lord was ever present.  There was yet again, another obvious time of His presence with us.  We decided that we wanted to go to the island across the bay from Rio.  So as usual, we went to the front desk to ask for directions.  They said, get on the subway, get off here, and walk a bit and you will find it.  Well, when we got off, we started walking... walking... and not finding. It was not in clear sight at all.  We decided to ask someone, in our broken Spanish the Portuguese lady somehow figured out what we meant and happened to be going there herself, so she led the way! She was like another heaven sent angel, and again, God with us.

         God was so good to us the entire trip! So many fun stories and memories passed :) Praise Him for His fellowship, love, grace, and presence! :)

Brazil Day Four: Another Day Anew

Another day on the beach.  Another day of tanning.  Another day of drinking coconut milk.  Another day of eating a packed lunch.  Another day of reading.  Another day of views.  It all sounds so repetitive, yet the Lord always seems to bring new excitement and refreshment with every new and blessed day of life.  ~Running barefoot two miles where the water kisses the sandy beach.  ~Acquiring natural flip flops from a mixture of water, sand, and a jelly substance, which we later discovered to be fish eggs.  ~Finding colorfully striped souvenirs of the sea, sea shells.  ~Drawing pictures in the sand, building a sand castle, and having a sand [mud] fight.  ~Praising Jesus for His wonderful artwork: "The mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name. I'll sing for joy at the work of Your hands, forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand. Nothing compares to the promise I have in You!" No matter how similar each day is, there are always new joys in every morning.

Brazil Day Three: A Day of Adventure

          I do not even know where to begin with describing the events of today.  Bullet pointing it would be the most inaccurate summary, yet typing to describe each event would take up way too much paper space and still be ill equipt in painting it fully.
          Today was an adventure in itself in the grand adventure of life.  Unsure of what to expect from the tour, other than touristy places and great sights, we were swept into a van of excitement.  Many different languages and laughter buzzed from the voyagers of various points in life.  The most entertaining part was the comedy display put on by several young men, who sad in front of us.  Away we went.  Hiking through the Tajuka National Forest [the larest national forest within a city], visiting its waterfall, seeing Christ the Redeemer Statue [second largest statue in the world next to the Statue of Liberty], overlooking the entire city of Rio, spotting a monkey in the wild, running up the hundreds of gorgeously tiled Lapa Steps, photographing many spectacular and unique frames, and laughing in good company all the way.  The day did not nearly conclude there after.  It continued with a run along the beach in the fresh ocean air, sending a kiss to the hotel where Robert Pattinson [Edward] and the Jonas Brothers are staying, and watchin the sunset on the ocean view horizon.  The finishing touch of today's adventure was a calm gesture of Brazilian banana pizza and exotic fresh fruit juice in the wonderful company of my beautiful friends.

Brazil Day Two: Beach Bums

          Since the gorgeous beaches are only going to be around for too few days of our lives, we decided to take advantage of them.  We dedicated, today, our second day, to the beaches.  Hello sunshine and 75 degree weather! Yes, I am going to get a tan in November! Wohoo! The strip of beaches here is absolutely stunning.  It begins with mountains, then the line of skyscrapers follows the beach and it ends with a mountain again.  How feautiful is this earth that the Lord has created?!
          Laying on the beach for hours just tanning and reading relaxed my whole body.  Running barefoot along the water front in the sand set my spirit free.  Going into water and being swallowed by a vortex of water rushed my adrenalin.  Drinking the milk out of a coconut choped open right before my eyes and eating a fresh mango by carving into it with a spoon gave life to my sense of adventure and exotic excitement.  Walking along the board walk in our newly purchased skirt wraps welcomed us into the culture.  Finally, eating a classy dinner outside with an ocean view concluded a wonderfully blessed beach bum sort of day.

Brazil Day One: Good Fun on [Official] Day One

Though it has been cloudy and rainy all day, it has been extremely enjoyable.  We visited historical sites such as the National Library and Art Museum of Rio de Janiero.  We relaxed in the hostel while the rain poured down and eventually went out for frozen yogurt.  Learning the town through exploration, the subway system, and historical sites was the best thing for the first whole day.  Us girls had some good fun on day one!

Brazil Day Zero Too: Beginning Language Struggles

The four of us girls are very equipped with the second lanuae of Spanish.  However, entering the whole new world of Portuguese was a struggle riht off the bat.  Trying to figure out how much we owed our taxi driver was quite a challenge.  It was very comical though, and he was kind natured, so we all got a good laugh out of it.  Checking into our hostel was a breeze because the workers at the hostel speak English.  A bit of time settling passed, and we entered the place we wanted to eat, but had no idea how it worked!  A man gave us slips of paper and disappeared.  We eventually mozied over to a table still unaware, trying to catch onto what the few other people were doing.  A lady beside us spoke to us in Portuguese but motioned it out, so we somewhat understood: 1) go get a plate 2) fill it with what you want to eat 3) give it and the paper to the worker to weigh and record the weight of the food on the paper: check mark! Paying afterwords was a whole other thing, but after some writing on paper and hand motions, it was all figured out.  Next, off to find an ATM! Well, needless to say that that was a fail the first night either because we were hitting the wrong buttons or because they just would not accept our cards.  An issue to be solved for the following day since it was getting dark.  It is already an entry way into having compassion for people in the US who do not speak the main language.  I now [even more so than being in Uruguay] know what it feels like!

Brazil Day Zero: Arrival in Rio!!!!!!

After a two hour plane flight, we arrived in RIO DE JANEIRO!!! WHAT'S UP?!?!  Riding to our hostel and seeing the views from the taxicab window was amazing enough! It made me more than pumped to get to spend the next 8 days here!  There are mountains and hills everywhere.  The vegetation is so lush and tropical and bright. The variety of people walking around added to the already vivid scene. Hoy Rio!

Anticipation before Rio de Janiero

Before our departure and temporary goodbyes, we were given many warnings.  As I wait for departure and reflect on the loving words of yeilding, an anxiousness builds in my body.  I know that I want to have fun, but how cautious does cautious have to be? Yes, we are a group of four American girls, but we are smart. Yes, we know the classic rules of no beaches at night, no abondoned streets, and no intoxication because those factors are an open door to bad things and crime.  I guess at this point if we follow the safety precautions, then the uncontrollable is in God's hands.  The anticipation will soon be revealed as time unveils itself.

Joy in the Little Things

Today was not that eventful, but it was extremely filled with joy! The first joy was completing a test in Spanish class! Whew, what a relief! No more studying today! As a matter of fact, today is like Friday! No more school for the week; or for the next week as far as that goes! [Ok, maybe that's more than just a little thing to be a joy filler, but still]. Later, as I was waiting for a job interview on skype, I noticed that my mom was on skype too! Hey Mom! Let's catch up before I leave to Rio de Janiero for the next 10 days! I was left with another little flower in my heart. The next piece of joy came from the beach with my best friend! What a better place right?! Look at the way the clouds are colored and patterned to match the waves of the ocean. Gosh, why don't we come here more often! The endorphins after running for miles and walking for miles more sure are a wonderful addition to joy, maybe happiness, but good feelings in the same. Since my best friend were in dire need of cleaning up after such exertion, what a better idea than to have a jam out party in the bathroom?! Plus, that way singing in the shower isn't just allowed, but it's encouraged! La la la la!!!!!! The little flower in my heart came with skyping my dad! Well hey Dad! Not only did I get to talk to Mom today, but now I get to talk to you too!! A whole prairie of flowers in my heart! And that's not all! Next came the packing while jamming out in my room. Crazy hair do's when no one is around, jumping around since no one is in the room, dancing like a fool, sounds like fun to me! Of course with the excitement of packing to leave tomorrow, that is always another little pocket full of sunshine! So many little things can add up to a great joy if we just open our eyes and look around for them. Praise Jesus for His gift of joy, His little flowers in our hearts and sun shining down on our faces.

Happy Halloween!

          Halloween is a very new holiday here in Uruguay; it has been brought in by Hollywood and commercialized in just the past 15 years.  Children, instead of trick or treating door to door went into restaurants and said, "Dulce o truco." Costumes were not as elaborate or creative; they only consisted of demonic or "spirity" things such as gory masks, ghosts, and witches.  The extensive costumes that exist in the United States were not present in the least bit.  It was also different because though jack-o-lanterns and fall colors dominated the decor, pumpkins and fall colored leaves do not exist right now.  There are only squashes and newly grown spring leaves.
          For our "American" festivities of Halloween, we decorated the kitchen, invited guests, had delicious treats, and played random group games.  The first card game I participated in was Set, a concentration-demanding, brain jerker.  Later, a large group of us played telephone pictionary for four full rounds straight! It was very entertaining and hilarious! Many good memories were made, as is a theme of this entire trip.

A Familiar Face

          This weekend Mr. Nederhoff, my best friend's father, came into town for a five day visit.  When he came in the door, I was SOOO excited to see him! I rushed over and gave him a great big hug! It was not until that moment that I realized how wonderful it was to see some I knew from back home.  It is great just getting to talk to familiarity in person, face to face, without internet glitches in skype and facebook and without increasing time change.  Going back home in a month will make me appreciate many forms of communication that I often took for granted; however, for the time being, it is just wonderful having at least a familiar face!

Sometimes Pictures Descibe Best

 

 

 

Sipping Maté

This Friday a few of us girls went to our cook, Raquel's, house after lunch.  She was so welcoming and inviting and serving. Though she serves us lunch every weekday as her job, she was more than willing to have us over into her own personal living space and continue to serve us with her personal effort.  She introduced us to her house, family of dogs, actual family, and kitchen, where we all enjoyed ice cream and coffee.  Later, we all sat outside for hours simply enjoying the cool of the evening, being in each others' company, admiring the flourishing vegetation, and sipping Maté [the traditional drink of the Southern Cone].  The scene was perfect: love of relationships, relaxation outside of the busyness of life, and no watch of time; simplicity.  I felt like this was yet another step deeper into the South American culture.  Its entry way was marked by a Uruguayan staple: sitting and sipping Maté.

Bell to Bell

          Observing a classroom from the morning to the end of the day was an amazing experience especially because it was at an international, American school.  Some statistics behind it are: the student population was about 25% Americans, 25% International, 50% upper class Uruguayan, the school ranges from Kindergarten to 12th grade, and there are around 30 students per grade.
          I observed a third grade classroom.  The students were from everywhere around the world, from New Zealand to Ireland to Argentina to Spain to USA to Uruguay.  There were so many different backgrounds, so many voices of accents, so many colors of ethnicity, so many personalities.  It was a beautiful combination in every way. The class had a lot of motion as mainly Spanish speaking students moved from their courses in Spanish to their home class in English and as mainly English speaking students moved from their English courses into Spanish class and as all the students moved from class to recesses and lunch and P.E.  Though the motion may sound like a distraction and a lack of focus, it really was not a big commotion.  The teacher was very organized and had her classes very well structured in order to be as productive as possible.  However, the school did not feel as uptight as most American schools do in the United States.  The rules were simple.  The atmosphere of movement created a unique flow as it was common for students to only be in one country for a couple years then move onto the next.
          I loved being a part of the class. The teacher let me jump in and be a part of everything.  When the class had a science experiment, I joined a group of the little girls.  They were so happy to have me join them and be an active participant in their work.  I also was able to lead a reading group when it was time for reading.  When the teacher was occupied w/ another student and one near me had a question, she told the student to ask me, and she had another excited student show me her success.
          P.E. time came, and the children were ecstatic!  They all ranted and raved about their P.E. coach in how cool he was.  I met the teacher Jeff, and his story shocked me.  As a retired professional basketball player for six different Uruguayan teams, he decided to spend his time with children.  It was an extremely humbling yet encouraging story to mentally capture and evaluate how he was doing more than the typical American life.
          After my experience at the Uruguayan American School, I have a new excitement for my future.  I do not know where specifically God will have me work with kids, but whether it is in the United States or somewhere around the world, I will be thrilled to be doing His work in positively impacting His precious children.

Toes in the Sand

This weekend a small group of us went to Atlantida, which is an hour bus ride from Montevideo. 
So cute, so quaint, so relaxing.  Though my mind was filled with everything I had to get done, it was a nice step back, a breather, and a relaxer before the coming storm.  Breathing in the fresh air revived my lungs.  Walking barefoot along the beach was calming.  Sinking my toes in the soft sand was soothing.  Rolling up my pants and splashing in the shallow water was invigorating.  Taking pictures with my mind of the beach front eased my mind. Throwing a glass bottle with a message in it into the ocean fulfilled an adventure! Embracing the moment is singular; there is nothing quite like it. Enjoying the time and creation of the Lord is so satisfying!!!

October 21, 2010: Paraguay!

One goal of the trip was to hit 4 countries, and we did that in 4 days! Uruguay. Argentina. Brazil. Paraguay. Checked off the list! Paraguay was quite different from the other three countries we had already visited. The streets were filled with vendors and people.  It was quite a rush looking around.  The volumes of items.  The shouts in the street.  The city air.  There are so many different and unique peoples and cultures in the Lord's unique creation!

October 20, 2010: Just Keep Walking

The day consisted of walking, and walking, and more walking! We walked along the streets of the average Brazilian's living place: cobble stones, tiled drive ways, and flower pinned tree trunks. Our final destination for walking was the Buddhist Temple. It had many interesting statues and beautiful greenery, but what I most liked about it, was the shade it provided from walking to far and long in the midday heat.  There was something very distant about the Temple.  It was cold and silent; dead; not life giving.  I am so glad that I serve the God of the universe and not a statue and remembrance of a person!  Our legs, though tired, were still alive, so we walked some more! My professor and I actually ran up part of an intensely steep, cobblestone paved hill.  By the end of the day, my legs could not take anymore! We figured that the whole day, we walked over nine miles! It was a good day's work! Good to use this body, which God has blessed me with.

October 19, 2010: International Dance Show

At night, we attended a combined dinner and show.  The food was delicious, classic Brazilian food as well as other international food because it was an international show.  El Rafian. The show was an imitation of many different Latin American cultures.  Some very interesting and entertaining stunts were done; such as a woman balancing 5 bottles on her head while dancing, a man on stilts acting like a condor, and the best tango I have ever seen.  It was also very entertaining when one of the girls in our group was taken up on stage, asked some questions, then had her butt commented on. It was quite a scene! The whole thing was a very cultural experience of all of Latin America combined.

October 19, 2010: White Water Rafting Grand Adventure!!

          Five of us girls decided that we wanted to be adventurous and do white water rafting on the bottom river of the falls.  The tale begins with a hike through the jungle.  When we arrived to what we believed was our destination, we realized that we were still on the top of the falls instead of down on the bottom level of the river.  Thus our journey continued.  We had to climb down over 15 flights of outdoor stairs, most of which were spiral stair cases! That in itself was an adrenalin rush! We kept telling each other, "This is a test, if you can make it down, then you are ready for the rafting." Once we made it to the bottom level, we had to climb about 100 yards over of large rocks to reach the rafting hut.  Another "test." At the little hut type shed structure, they made us sign a contract stating the risks, which could be FATAL!!! We had to wait for more people to come, and the first group that arrived was three older Asian women. It was quite a quiet laugh because not only were we not fully sure of what we were doing, but now we were sure that the rest of the group was completely unaware as well!  After everyone had arrived, they made us take off our shoes and climb down more enormous rocks to the raft while barefoot! 
          A whole saga later, the rafting was finally about to begin!  While waiting for a boat to come pick up our valuables, which could not get wet, our guide (a 20 year old, personable, and slightly obnoxious male) psyched us out on how difficult it was.  He said it was near the professional level of rafting, so he drilled us over and over again with the commands.  He also warned us that the first part was easy, then it got much harder.  We departed from the shore!  We crosses a little spurt of rapids, then anticipated the harder second part around the bend.
          We came to a still in the water, and our guide had the one male in the boat try to do the main oars.  After, he asked if anyone else would like to try, so of course, I volunteered! It was sooo hard! You have to be very strong to be able to do that; I definitely do not have that kind of upper body strength to say the least.  While I was on the main ores, the guide told everyone to jump out. We all kind of nervously chuckled, but then knew he was being serious when started pushing people over the side! Instead of getting pushed off, I offered to let myself off by doing a flip off the edge; it was awesome!!! We floated along side the boat for a while, got back on, got back off, I did back flips off with him and with another girl in our group. A hilarious part of it all, was getting people back on the raft. The person being pulled up was like a dead fish; it was probably one of the funniest things ever!
          There really were no enormous rapids after all.  All of the psyche up was just for our guide's enjoyment and amusement.  The whole experience was probably the most fun thing yet. It was nothing of what I expected, it was way past!!! It was a grand white water rafting adventure!!! Praise Jesus for fun!!!

October 19, 2010: The Panoramic

The first day we visited Argentine side of the falls, which was a more hands on experience.  The second day in contrast was the Brazil side which held the views.  Instead of hiking though jungle and seeing bits and pieces up close and personal, we were able to see more all at once.  Each new view of the falls from the Brazil side was phenomenal.  I would say that the Brazil side was the panoramic view, however, there is no such thing as a panoramic view of the falls because their length and surface area are so extensive.  It is a beautiful analogy to life.  A person can never see the full picture from one standing place, however, when taken in the sky, the entire landscape can be seen from the clouds.  The gleeful greenery, the swirling mist, the fluttering butterflies, the graceful birds, and the pouring fountain of falls all added a stroke of the paint brush to the scene.  What a wonderful Maker! The Painter of every panoramic and the Author of every story!

October 19, 2010: The Bird Park

          In the morning, we went to an exotic bird park, which was filled with wonderful birds native to South America, and mostly native to the country we were in, Brazil! Every time I have seen birds of such vivid colors and varieties, their attire seems so flashy and elaborate.  However, the way the Lord has dressed them is not very flashy at all in their natural environment, the jungle.  I thought the little parrots with yellow heads and green bodies were just flashy and for looks, but then when my eyes observed the entire scene, they remarkably resembled the yellow headed and green bodied flowers behind them.  Who would have thought that such vivid colors was actually camouflage in essence! And the great beaks of the toucan and other beautiful birds serves the purpose of hunting its food, not just to flash bright orange, yellow, and blue colors.  God is so creative in how He has shaped and molded each creature to fit its environment so perfectly.

          I have gained a new dislike, however. I used to think that toucans were fun and pretty birds, but they are really mean.  I learned that the reason their beaks are formed as large and open and hard as they are, is so they can eat their prey: baby birds! They are quite vicious creatures! A pretty funny story came about from their ferocity actually.  A girl in our group was wearing flip flops, and a toucan seemed interested in her toes.  It hoped close to her feet, then she backed away.  It hopped closer, and she retreated again.  The chase continued until it ended with her turning and the toucan biting the back of her leg and actually drawing blood! That story is going down in the records of the trip. Student bit by a toucan, check! A couple more exciting things to add to the list of check marks are: I held a parrot! I held a McCaw! and I held a huge snake! God is so good in teaching me things down here, developing preferences, and blessing me with unique experiences!

October 18, 2010: Guanani People

The Guanani people are the indigenous people who have lived around the Iguazu Falls for centuries.  We went to their land and were blessed to see a bit of their lifestyle and culture.  They have suffered and gone through many difficulties, but despite their struggles, they still hold to their core values.  The greatest thing that struck me about these people, was their view on possessions.  Nothing really holds greater value in the terms of "Gold is more valuable than silver." They weigh worth based off of necessity and need.  So, if they don't need a cell phone, but NEED water, they will trade their phone for a filled water bottle.  It is such a foreign concept to me, but it holds great morals in the sense of not having greed or obsession with possessions.  God created them very unique with such a rich culture!

October 18, 2010: Wonder of Water

          We went to Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil! It is the Niagra and Victoria Falls of South America in essence.  For the first day of our visit we went on the Argentine side, which holds the majority of the falls (the count of the whole entity, depending on the amount of water from rain, is around 270 waterfalls).
          Upon arriving to the river via safari train, we approached an endless bridge.  It was firm and stable and rose about 6 feet above the rushing water.  Butterflies fluttered all around like flakes of joyful glitter in the air.  The jungle engulfed the whole scene, buzzing with life and activity.  As we approached the first scene of waterfalls, their loud thunderous roars echoed.  The mist rising in the air breathed with anticipation.  The scene slowly unveiled, one gorgeous bit of surface area after the next.  How mighty and strong was the force of the falls!!! The hundreds of gallons of water plummeting over the ledge; my what a fascinating sight!!! Each new scene called for that many more snaps of the camera.  We walked over the falls, suspended in the air by the bridge.
          As we continued our journey a distant lovely little yellow butterfly caught my eye.  Despite the mighty thundering sounds all around, beyond the rushing river and rapids, a silent breeze stirred the butterfly to flutter in my sight.  I reflected on how similar a thing it was when God spoke, not in the mighty earthquake or violent fire, but simply in a soft voice.  How lovely is it to hear the Lord's voice in a peaceful, graceful, gentle entity despite the surrounding noise and chaos.  Pondering, I realized through this, that when we are searching for the Lord, He speaks to us in ways that we do not anticipate or expect until He makes them sparkle in just the right moment to catch our eye. 
          Further in the adventure, we crossed over more and more waterfalls.  When I looked down at the water forcing its way over anything and everything in its path, it reminded me of the Flood.  How great and forceful the water must have been to completely cover the earth! It was strong and commanding.  It demanded attention, God was demanding attention.  Though God speaks in a soft and quiet voice when we are seeking and pressing deeper into Him, sometimes He shakes us upside down and floods our world with water to get us to pay attention to Him and put our focus back where it belongs.  He does what is necessary to get our gaze back on Him.  Though He speaks softly and gently, He can still roar as the rivers rage.  What an AWEsome and fearful Creator we have!

Praise to the Lord - to THE LORD!

For the wholeness of His Word.

In all the ways He speaks

Whether mighty or meek,

It is purified with truth

In correction and rebuke

Or in the still silence.

From demanding obedience

By an all consuming flood,

Clearing away the dirt and mud,

Or by softly speaking

To us independently.

Praise to the Lord - to THE LORD!

For the truth and variety of His Word.

          The mist of the gushing falls thrust marvelous colors into the air! As the water came tumbling down the cliffs, there was a promise strung in the air, a promise that the world would never be fully submerged again.  This promise was smiling at me through a deep reflection in a mirror of mist, the rainbow.  How wonderful a promise I could see and further understand.  When I crossed the raging river, the mist of the waterfalls placed many droplets of water in the air to reflect the vivid figure, of which I saw in a whole circle around my body as a kind of shield or protection.
          What a wonder the water was! What a marvel are the "reflections," which can be seen in such a wonder.  Praise God for His wonderful work: water!

Dipped in Culture!

Tonight, our group went on a very unique excursion.  We went to an "art burning." This wasn't anything hedonistic; but rather a cross cultural tradition.  Every year, Spain picks a Latin American country, hires a local artist to create an enormous statue of paper machete, then hosts a celebratory burning of the "sculpture" in honor of one of their saints. This year, they chose Uruguay!! So we were blessed with the unique experience. The masterpiece was bright and vivid with the life and culture of South America etched into it. The band played music all night.  Fireworks anticipated the event.  Children chanting "Fuego! Fuego! Fuego!" lit up smiles. And, the burning of the masterpiece was consecrated as ash and smoke swirled into the sky. I am unsure as to the complete purpose of this event, but either way, knowledgeable or not, I was dipped deeper into the Latin American culture.

Not Loving School Work

As a contrast to my last post, there are some days that I do not like school work at all.  Today was one of those days.  In my Education Perspectives class, we had to read The Child Called It. The book was good educationally to further open my eyes to the necessity teachers play in children's lives, but the images it stuck in my head are terrifying, depressing, and haunting. The main summary I learned was: it is amazing how many things go on behind closed doors that affect who a person is and who a person will become, but no one, at a glance, can know those things.  So, though learning still takes place, there are some days that are worth praising Jesus for school work, and others for crying to Him about it.

Loving School Work

It's a strange title, I know.  However, for one lesson that I have had in particular, it is very true! Amidst my six hours of Spanish, 3 hours of Education Perspectives, and 3 hours of Latin American Studies, I am taking an online British Literature class.  The online syllabus creates interesting and innovative ways for assessments; thus, homework assignments are often creative.  I particularly loved the last module I did; it covered two of my favorite things: poetry and love songs!! I can never say that I mind homework that "forces" me to listen to my favorite songs pertaining to love and read poetry. I love both! Some days are well worth praising Jesus for school work!

Humanity

Tonight, we all watched the movie "The Mission." It is about a group of people I had just researched for a project, the Guarani.  They are the indigenous people of the Brazil area in South America.  The movie tells their sad tale of being taken by slave drivers, finding hope in the "Missions" founded by the Jesuits (full functioning, educational, community owned and worked plantation type forts), then the brutal driving out of the Guarani and expulsion of the Jesuits by the State. What was the purpose of driving them out of their happily settled new homes in the Missions? The pure greed of mankind in wanting self gain.  With the Missions no longer in operation, the settlers could use the Guarani people as slaves and not have to compete with the Missions for economic prosperity.  When the resistant Missions were brutally attacked, it made me realized how sick and perverse money can make man.  The fact that slave owners' selfish desires for money drove them to slaughter innocent people makes me absolutely disgusted with my species.  It's amazing how selfish desires can lead us to do so many terrible things; they do not have to be as brutal as slaughtering a whole people but even down to getting back at someone to "feel better" or be snappy for the reason of not wanting to have patience.  Won't it be wonderful when Jesus comes back and all eyes are focusing on Him rather than on ourselves? I can't wait for that day!

Life's Momentum

I cannot believe how fast time is going! It seems like the days are longer because each one is loaded with ever consuming homework, exciting events, and amazing, growing relationships.  However, at the end of the week, I realize, "Wow! Another week has come and gone!" In my mind it's like a monkey swinging on vines in the jungle. At the top of one, swings swiftly down and up to grab hold of the next one, which allows for a moment's pause, then swiftly swinging back down and up to repeat the whole process.  Each little pause seems to come on a Sunday afternoon as I look back and realize, yet another week has concluded, then the rush of momentum comes with the week's events.  To grab hold of one vine would be ridiculous, for the momentum of more fun-loving people and events pull it forward as do the hands of time.  Grasping onto any experience of life, I am finding, is not worth the struggle of one's muscles such as the heart and mind, but rather enjoying the rush of life, the energy, the adrenalin, all in each moment they last is what we can afford to do.

Saturday Night Life

This Saturday night was not the most exciting in the aspect of going out, seeing the city lights, and feeling the hands of the culture.  Instead, all of us in the group went up to the loft and watched several episodes of the most random show ever, Arrested Development. It was a quiet night compared to most, but it was amazing to be embraced by the warmth of everyone's company.  Laughter. Giggles. Silence. Chatter. No matter what it was, it was nice to feel the surrounding of "family."  I thank God for the time I have with these awesome individuals; all of whom are becoming knit together through joy and tears in this experience of a Whole New World together.

Wisdom of Children

This week I went to observe a classroom at a bilingual school here in Montevideo.  I was placed in a classroom filled with 7 and 8 year olds for two hours.  All of the children were so adorable!! They were so excited to ask me questions ranging from how old I was to if I knew anyone famous in the Unites States.  At the end of my observation, several little girls gave me stickers and drawings and notes. One even offered me her favorite snack. It was so precious to see the love and giving nature of these priceless little souls.  To be a like child again; to be carefree; to run around playing pretend; to give without strings; to trust without doubt. Many things can be learned from these children; we simply have to be willing to become like a child again.

Broken and Brought Back

The LORD Almighty says: "I will break... I will bring back... I will bring back... I will break." The repetition of these words in Jeremiah 28:2-4 makes me ponder the experiences I have had in life. When I have been broken in my life, I have been more easily brought back and wrapped up in the arms of my Heavenly Father, the LORD Almighty. He makes a promise: He breaks then brings back. When my eyes have lost focus because of a relationship; He broke it, then brought me back to focussing on Him. When I have put my thoughts above and limited His creativitiy and power; He broke it and brought me back to humility before His throne. When my path became too comfortable and secure in friendships; He broke it to bring me back to Him. This trip has been a remarkable time of breaking: breaking comfort, security, expectations,  and control, and a time of Him bringing me back, deeper into His love, peace, and joy. Praise be to the LORD Almighty for His breaking and bringing back!!

Night Life of Music

Dresses and jewelry, makeup and pearls danced through our hallway as us lovely ladies prepared to go out.  Arriving at Teatre Solis, stepping out of the cab, and hair blowing in the breeze of the evening gave a fabulous feeling of almost of being famous. A night of the orchestra awaited. Box seats of red velvet in the balcony held our names. The music swept through the theatre soft and mellow, sharp and crisp, nervous and swift, loud and flashy. As the music flowed, thoughts and feelings were able to relate to each emotion projected. The night life of classical music called out the moon, an evening stroll, and a night well spent.

A Day of Creation!

Saturday, I marveled at the Lord's glorious creation all day and night!!!  We went to an even smaller and more secluded beach town called Cabo Polonio. The ride up there was an adventure in itself, for several of us, including myself, were daring enough to ride on top of the tractor type van vehicle. Seeing the unique landscape was phenomenal! The road was solely made out of deep, fine, beach sand, yet the surrounding area was thriving with vegetation and water; I have never seen such a unique combination of elements; it was beautiful though. Our destination was even more quaint and unique, equipped with sand dunes, grass shoots, scattered houses and shacks brightly colored, light houses, shell-crushed beaches, and enormous rock formations! The beauty of God's creation was everywhere!!! The nonliving creation was soothing and calming, but there was a whole other facet to the picture. There were vibrant pieces of life splashed all across the water!!! We saw a whale, dolphins, seals and sea lions!!! Seeing them live in their natural habitat was an amazing experience, beyond what words can describe. Sun bathing on the rocks; fishing near the beach; diving in the water, down and up to the surface. It was the perfect day to marvel in God's creation!!! To soak in the bright sun beams on the beach while searching for sea shells; to listen to the crashing waves and chattering birds above; to feel the warmth of a perfect day on my rosey cheeks; and to see the glitter remnant on my hand from throwing fists of God's glitter into the air.  A wonderful day being a creation of the Maker in His wonderful masterpiece of the universe!!!

Man's Best Friend

          This weekend our group went on a miniature traveling expedition.  Friday, we stayed in a tiny, beach town called La Paloma.  We ventured out in the morning to the beach. On our way, a golden dog started walking with us.  Playfully, he started running up ahead and back.  Then, a larger dog approached our group.  Though muscular and intimidating looking, he had remarkably beautiful markings and proved to be friendly likewise.  The group of us, eleven people and two dogs walked along the beach.  Then, out of the brush, a Lassie type dog came running.  It was even more playful than the others: running up and down, getting Goldie (as we named him) hyper and more playful.  It was fun to have our new companions.
          We had no food on us, so they weren't begging; they simply joined for the leisure walk and to make friends.  We walked for about 3 hours and all three remained loyal to our side.  However, we grew weary and hitched a ride in the back of a kind woman's pick up truck. It made me sad to have to leave our new friends, but to my surprise, when the truck took off, they started sprinting along side with it! My heart was touched! We lost them by a couple blocks, but saw all three dogs running in the distance like the last scene in Homeward Bound. It was almost a good enough moment to shed a tear of tenderness.  All three of them met back up with us.
          We returned to our cabin, and sadly, the owner chased them off with a stick. Lassie came back though, and joined some of us for another afternoon walk! We went on the peer, and she braved the stressful feeling of walking out on the board walk; though she had fear, anxiety and timidity in her eyes, she came along for the adventure.  She stayed with us for over six miles, just for the enjoyment of being "walked." When we returned to the cabin again, she did not beg for food, but just laid in the cool of the patio shade until the owner chased her off again.
          We went on a day trip elsewhere on Saturday, but at night a group of us went out to the beach to watch the stars. As we ventured out again, Goldie came running towards us from the same place he had the day before! He remembered us! We sat on a ledge of grass by the beach, and he sat behind us as a protector.  When the rest of our group joined us, he barked at the "strangers," for they were unknown to him at a distance.  When we walked in return to the cabin, he escorted us. I have a new love for these creatures now because I understand more fully that they want relationship and not solely food from humans as nearly every other creature.  Dogs truly are man's best friend.

A Secret Garden

We visited both a Japanese garden and a museum, which were adjacent to each other.  The museum was small and dainty; however, it was the garden that drew me in.  The garden reminded me of what I would imagine a secret garden to mirror.  The entry way was marked by a large tree that was over taken with blooming vines.  When the breeze blew, purple petals from the blossoms floated gracefully down, like a heavenly shower in which angels would pour down buckets of beauty.  Having been cloudy all day long, the petals of the flowers were lightly kissed with crystal raindrops.  From the ground bushes, the fragile pink petals were soft and recently refreshed by the gentle drizzle of rain, so their color was vibrant and inviting.  As I strolled along the garden path, a light spell of droplets came down from the sky.  It made the water come alive and glimmer ever so slightly.  The secret garden rejoiced with singing praises to its Maker; all the while, I was so blessed to be a witness.

Running in the Rain

Outside, the weather was crying, but my body was dying from the constricting air inside.  So, my desire for fresh air overcame, and out and running I went.  The splash of raindrops on my cheeks revived the color in my face while the spritz of water curled my hair.  My blood was pumping and breathing in the weather's kissing dew felt wonderful.  How glorious a sensation is the blessing of precipitation.  Running, like dancing in the rain, eases the congestion of stressful pain and gives enjoyment a paradoxical name. But all in all, praise praise praise, be to Jesus' name for legs to run and water to rain!

Birthdays!!!!!

In the past five days, we have had three birthdays to celebrate!! There has been an abundance of cake around the house and many happy birthday songs sung, both in English and in Spanish of course.  I have many things to be thankful for, especially for life! The life I am so blessed to have and spend a part of in another world is wonderful!  All of the birthdays are a wonderful reminder of that!
*Happy Birthday Rosalinda!*
*Happy Birthday Michelle!*
*Happy Birthday Victoria!*

~*Por*La*Playa*~ (By The Beach)

Walking along the beach for hours on end is one of the most relaxing and somehow fulfilling things.  It is freeing from the city pollution, being away from the hustle and bustle of urban living. Thoughts become clear as the swish of the tide ebbs and flows. I feel as if I am walking on clouds when I am walking on the sand. I pick flowers and put them in my hair. I have a handful of collected sea shells, and I pick up a pile of glittery sand and sea shell pieces to throw a fist full of glitter in the air. There's nothing quite like being a princess, a daughter of the King, ornate in His blooming petals, clutching His creation, and being carefree in the clouds among the glitter of the earth.

Church: Difficult with Barriers

As I am immersed in a Spanish speaking culture, I have no escape from the language barrier at any church service. It is a blessing to experience new things and see how other cultures function; however, it is becoming more of a challenge "settling" into a church. No matter where I go, I can never fully know if I agree with the doctrine or what's being said. I can pick up on the overall message based off of key words and passages frequently used in the sermon, but there is a lot that I cannot understand, obviously. The first time attending was good for the entry way deeper into the culture, but now as things are settling out of the "meeting of the new society" the immersing is revealing difficulties and uncertainties.  Church this weekend was difficult as far as language and length.  Despite these obstacles, I am determined to press deeper into the heart of God, so I found a good solution. Because my Bible is in English, I can understand it.  Thus, if I read from it and write in reflection on what I read, I am able to grow during church, have fellowship with people, and use my time effectively with the Lord as my Shepherd and light to my path.  The verses I meditated on were Psalm 18: 32-33, "It is God who arms me with strength and make my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights."

Psalm 18:32
When I turn to my body,
It will always tire and fail me.
When I turn to my own way,
Success is never seen in the day,
For my body is a corpse that's dying,
And my desires, promising fulfillment, are lying.
Never will my own body prevail,
Nor my wants ever not fail,
But when God enters my being,
My muscles and bones start singing.
He arms me with divine strength;
The revived blood in my body gives thanks.
When the Shepherd enters my life,
I no longer lead, but follow His Guide.
He makes my way perfect;
Along the road, His name I will worship.

Words of Wisdom from Amelia

Somehow in Spanish class we always get on the topics of boyfriends and girlfriends; this is easy to do seeing that the class consists of our female professor, Amelia, and four female students. Today, one way or another, we approached this topic yet again. We were speaking of when couples break up, how there is usually sadness. However, dear Amelia gave us a new outlook on the future. She said that no one knows the future but God, so why should we be sad about the future if we do not even know what it entails. Whether we are happy or sad at the current time, the future could hold and will hold something different, so keeping curiosity about the future is the best thing to do.

"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." Jeremiah 10:23
"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord! ~Jeremiah 29:11a

FUTBOL ENTHUSIASM!!!

A group of us went out to a Futbol (soccer) game tonight! I was so amazed at the crowd! Never have I witnessed such enthusiasm for anything! The sea of people swam in their team's colors. Banners were flying. Flags were waving. Flares were flashing. Fireworks were shooting. Confetti was streaming. It was one big celebration before the team even entered the field! During the entire game, the drums were beating, and the fans singing their team songs. Never, have I seen such excitement for something! It was exciting and thrilling when the team scored a goal or when the situation got tense people were hollering and whistling. Finally when the game was won, more celebration was unleashed. The chorus of songs and beating drums continued through the streets and even in the buses. Never, in my entire life, have I seen with my own eyes something that people got so excited about. It makes me think though, if only we Christians had that excited about our faith, our Lord, and His love. My, how the world would change. Imagine if such happiness can be brought through the winning of a futbol game, how much more so would there be of JOY in the winning and saving of souls for the kingdom of God?!

Exotic Tastes

For lunch/ dinner or "linner," a few of us girls adventured to a little restaurant that specializes in empanadas.  I do think that I found perhaps my favorite dish ever! Mediterranean Empanadas! What was in them you may ask? Well, seeing that I like strange foods it really shouldn't come as a surprise: cinnamon, peaches, and chicken inside of the delightful pie crust like covering! It was so good that I really didn't want it to be gone. This feeling has occurred frequently while being here since the food is all so delicious! From Swordfish to Dulce de Leche ice cream sundays, exotic foods are very exciting! Praise Jesus for taste buds that have the opportunity to experience such fun and exciting new, exotic tastes!

Buenos Aires Day 4: Love Being a Girl!

Buenos Aires is known as the Paris of South America. It is a fashion central, and many parts, such as buildings and cemeteries, are styled after the French. I experienced much of the fashion of the culture (which I love) today as several of us browsed an upscale outdoor shopping area. It was filled with many adorable boutiques, galleries, and eating places. Seeing the traditional things of this area put in a classy spotlight was extremely enjoyable. From window shopping to actual purchasing, much fun was had being surrounded by vintage dresses, pink ribbon, flowers and jewelry. It was a great day to be a girl! Filled with loveliness, ribbons and pearls! It was a great day from around the world!

Buenos Aires Day 3: Fellowship

The theme of the entire day would have to be Fellowship. It began with arriving at church. Coffee. Bread. Introductions and conversations. New friends were made within the hour. It was amazing, absolutely amazing how the common ground of Christ's love can instantly lay a foundation of friendship. Making friends across cultures is such an expanding and uplifting experience. The great thing about our world now is that fellowship can easily be continued across the world by one simple word: FACEBOOK! New friends. Fun. Fellowship. The day concluded with building onto already based friendships over hot tea and churros. A day well used. A day well spent. A day of meaning. A day of love.

Buenos Aires Day 2: Narrow Perspective

Our day was filled with history, and for one of the first times ever, I was completely enthralled and captured by it. We toured the city, looked, took pictures, then saw more, took more pictures and repeated it all over again. It was beyond the pictures of the Pink House, Graffiti stung church, and national monument that made an impact on me; it was all the stories of fear and agony that widened my eyes. I have been so learned in my own culture, country, and life but not in the affairs and travesties of the thriving world around me.  To not know of disappearing people, economic freezes and crashes, and many other things, which have recently occurred in history, makes me ponder all of the lives that I haven't even given the time to merely acknowledge their existence. Praise God His is a God who sees and knows ALL, and thanks be to Him for widening my narrow perspective of the world!

Buenos Aires Day 1: Records

Today was a day filled with grandness, literally filled with the enormity of world records. As we journeyed to Colonia, we stopped at a via point. It was a barn saturated with random collections in the Genus Book of World Records such as "The Largest Key Chain Collection," "The Largest Matchbox Collection," and "The Largest Pencil Collection." The place even had the smallest pencil in the world and the thinnest pencil in the world. After exploring beautiful, little Colonia, crossing on the Ferry into Argentina, and going on our first outgoing in Buenos Aires we stumbled upon another feature of "grandness": the second widest street in the world. It's vastness was very intimidating when we crossed it, at one point being nine lanes long on one side, but it was a remarkable thing to absorb and soak in, in this new culture. It seemed to me that all of these are such random things to count and keep track of. However, this can be taken as a reflection of mankind as a whole, how we keep track of things. Whether it is of wrongs against us, or the latest gossip, we have a fascination and habit with "keeping records." Praise Jesus that salvation in Him is out of His love, which keeps no records of wrong and endures all things.

The Beauty and the Grave

There rests a hardworking, every day, normal man. On the left is a young person, barely old enough to be called an adult. Over there is a mother and father. Just around the corner is a whole family. On the right is an elderly man. There rests a young maiden. Who will tell me their story? Who will give me the wisdom gained from their life? Will you ma'am? Will you tell me your story, so that I may learn and grow? ~~~Silence~~~ There is, there is, there are so many, yet no answer. That is their lesson. The lesson of the Beauty, the beautiful maiden resting, is that once it is over and gone, that is all life on this earth amounted to without someone to pass it down to, to pass it on to, to further wisdom, life, and influence. Each breath we breathe, each step we take without purpose and without being bold in proclamation to others is meaningless. Silent. Statues, sculptures, stones and carvings may remain in recognition of a life for all to see, but their stories are either buried and hidden in the grave or alive and thriving in the ones they told and left behind on earth.

The Bliss of Laughter!

Oh my goodness we are ridiculous!!! As the group is bonding more and more, we are able to go deeper, but we are also much more open in the sense of being "Goofy!" We were watching the Goofy Movie and bursting out in random fits of laughter from hilarious (or at least we thought so) 2 second clips.  Change of scene. Several of us girls were in the loft and started dying of laughter and giggle fits about messing with each other about boys. Change of scene. I spritzed my friend's leg with air freshener, and she convinced herself that she was dying of its inhalation; again, this time literally, rolling on the floor laughing. Oh how I love to laugh! It's one of the joys in life that to any soul, it is an instant kiss of bliss.

Lead by God

As we are slowing being further submersed in this culture, our own is fading for the time being, and as this is happening, we are beginning to miss certain things: particularly certain foods.  Just this weekend several of us were talking about foods that sounded so satisfying; the main theme voiced by various persons was Mexican! Mmmm! Burritos! Guacamole! Salsa! Chips! Thinking about it even led to the extreme of missing home, cravings, and grumpiness to a degree.  Today, for lunch, we were greeted by the amazing site of sautéed onions, peppers, grilled chicken and beef, cheese and tortillas for burritos sided by the furnishings of guacamole, salsa and chips! I thought, "Aw! How sweet! The cooks made what we were talking about!" But it was far beyond that. The cooks did not hear the conversations we had over the weekend because they only come in during the week. Coincidence then? I think not - later our director told me that Raquel, the cook, says she cooks according to what she is "led by God" to make. Wow. I was awestruck at how amazing our God is that He cares even about the little things in our lives! What an awesome God we have!

Babies All Day!

The day started off with precious adorable little tiny PUPPIES!!!! So many cute little puppies for sale in the open air market. When I picked one up, my heart for the precious shivering little soul just melted. The next event of cuteness came about at the Orphanage. A group of us were first introduced to the babies, all under one year old. They were so cute, bright eyed and delighted. Then came the crazy yet equally adorable toddlers.  Running after rolling balls, hiding under tables, walking and falling, fumbling with words, the energy of the little tykes filled the air.  They too had big, glistening eyes filled with happiness at the pleasure of new friends.  At the end of the day though, I realized something. The children are more than just something cute and precious to play with, they are not just at a day care to have fun, this is their life.  At the end of the day, I can go home and talk to my family, my parents. I can go home and be taken care of and loved by my own parents.  These beautiful little children do not have that. They do not have parents who love them enough to discipline them, or to give them time even when they are cranky. I am so blessed to have a loving family and a home of my own. Thanks to Jesus for all that I am overly blessed with and prayers for the dear hearts of the little children who opened my eyes to this truth.

A Different Voice

As Jocelyn and I went for a run in the park today, we were applauded by a chorus of males.  The first lap around began with whistles and was followed by a song in which a whole group chimed in.  The next time around one of the individuals was "so creative" enough to make up his own song which consisted of "Rubia-aaaa! Rubia-aaaa!" (this means, blondie, blondie more or less).  It was extremely difficult to keep a straight face through it all in an attempt to not give them any response, which is what they are hoping for.  Here in Uruguay, or South America as a whole, men are much more vocal about giving cat calls, especially to American girls.  I must admit, most times they are quite hilarious, especially when they make such great stories.  My favorites are when they sing English songs to us.  This has happened to our group twice already; seeing that we consist of 90% girls, are 70% blonde, and 90% light eyed, it is probably expected.  The first instance that happened was "Hey pretty woman, walking down the street, Pretty Woman!" This was sung to a group of us as we were literally walking down the street.  The other one that has occurred was at a market when a man sang "Beautiful girls (all over the world..)."  All of the above have been great laughs after the fact, but during their occurrence, we rush away in attempts to maintain solemn countenances.  It is interesting how from one culture to another, different voices are heard on the street, different tunes are sung, and different attention is more or less boldly given.

A Day Away

The air was so fresh when we stepped off the bus this morning. Out in the middle of no where, it seemed, was a little oasis of both adventure and relaxation. La Estancia! The adventure began in the morning as we mounted horses and sauntered along pastures, beside a lake and creek, and through a forest of eucalyptus trees. As we rode about, my horse, Cocoa, taught me an important lesson, for it was stubborn and refused to gallop. Each time Cocoa persisted to try to eat the vegetation along the way, he showed me that I need to forget about getting from point A to point B and to rather enjoy each thing that comes along the way. Cocoa also refused to go past the speed of basically negative 2 miles per hour, which made me ponder why I was in any hurry anyways. So many times it is easy to get caught up in the rush of things that cherishing each moment is forgotten. The next adventure of the day was lunch! The main meal was not so much exciting as was the unexpected taste of Liquor in the chocolate cake and ice cream topping! Interesting cultural experience, but needless to say, there was a good amount of cake that went uneaten. The day continued with yet another adventure: trying to find the canoeing area by walking through a large field while wearing bright life jackets - we were a sight to say the least! Finally the relaxation came with enjoying the pool and spa area. All in all, it was a marvelous breath of fresh air out of the city and into the country, a wonderful day away.