So almost 10 years ago, I began my journey to get my college degree and with a few obstacles to overcome... it almost took me that long.
But today, I can say I have a bachelor's degree in Art (emphasis in Graphic Design) and a minor in Marketing.
Who knows what God has in store for me now, but as long as he is the pilot I will never be lead in the wrong direction.
Thanks for all the love and support! I wouldn't have been able to complete this journey without all my friends and family!
THANKS SOOOO MUCH! I LOVE YOU ALL!
What an awesome movie! I loved the older version from when I was younger, but this one was awesome. I highly recommend it... so go see it ... it is definitely worth $7 or $8 bucks.
The underlying Christian theme made it that much better... it is hard to find a movie like this these days...
Thanks to C.S. Lewis!!
IT IS A MUST SEE!!!
I finished 334 out of 808 overall and in my age group I finished 18 out of 54. I was so proud. I knew there was no way I would win. I just wanted to completed what I had trained so hard for.
The funniest thing about the race, was going into it they said that they were only giving medals to the first 1000 finishers. I started out really good and thought I am not too far behind... but when I was going uphill and the people in front of me where going downhill, I could see all the people in front of me. I got a little worried that I would not get a medal and would not be one of the top 1000...so I picked up the pace little bit... passing mile 2 in 20 minutes. I was proud... needless to say I got a medal... but here is the punch line there was only 808 people in the race (which I found out later)... so everyone got a medal. But I guess in the end everyone needs a little incentive.
I am training and looking forward to my next race..
I had a blast at my last football game as a Ole Miss student (I plan to still go to games when I can)! It was cold and I knew we were going to lose but that didn't stop me from dressing out, going to the stadium 2 hours early and staying until the end to sing Dixie one last time. My friends were with me, and that made it even sweeter!
We had some great laughs, some freezing cold moments, a discussion about our seats and no first downs in the first half... but it was all worth it in the end to see the one touchdown and feel the excitement of the few remaining fans and enjoy singing Dixie after it was all over.
We took a good beating and it will always be remembered, but I will remember the blast I had at my last home football game as an Ole Miss student...
by the way for those who don't know..
we lost 40-7.... yeah I know it was bad.
So many people have been asking me "Are you excited about graduating?" . Sometimes I say I don't know, and they say "Well you should be?" I could get offended at that, since I feel like they are telling me how I should feel. But instead of getting offended, I think "Should I be?" Yes, I will have my degree, but what does that intel. I think that is the part where those asking who don't have a degree, have not thought past just being finished. I am glad that I will have my degree, but I do have to decide what it next and that is not always easy. My whole life is about to change.. that could and should be a good thing, but for me it brings lots of uncertainty, which is something I am not good at. But for now, pray is in order! I have a job and in 3 weeks I will have a degree those are certain. We will take it from there. One day at a time!
It is also getting close to race day! I am running my first race on December 3rd! I am running a 5K for St. Jude. I am excited, for one because I love what St. Jude is doing for children, so my money is going to a great cause. And secondly, I will get to run with my friends. It is the weekend before finals, so we are going down on Friday night and relaxing, enjoying hanging out together. It is going to be so much fun. I have something to look forward too, and it is not far away.
Well I guess I will go for now. Sorry it has been awhile for those checking. I have been in pursuit of a degree!
Today I am thankful:
For my dad - he always knows when to call and say I love you and I am praying for you!
My roommate- she has kept me sane this semester
Heather, Forrest, Matt, Brandi for running the race with me. (it is going to be a blast!)
For my others friends, for standing by me this past few months when I have not been so easy to love.. You guys are awesome!
keep praying. God has a plan for all of us!
It is so awesome when we can all get together take a break from school (even when we have a test the next day) and just laugh and enjoy each others company.
It was a great evening, we all had lots of fun!
We came close to a win this week, which brought our faith back to hopes for some wins in the future.
GO REBELS!!!
I will admit I was a little nervous about going to the coast. My heart already went out to the people, but I just didn't know what I would experience because pictures do not do it justice. In this case a picture was not worth a thousand words, going to see was!
I was in AWE and still am.
We worked for one day and the whole time I kept thinking -imagine if I had to wake up to this, what if I had to do this work day in and day out for who knows how long. There were people alone with no one to help, so what do you do? We did what we could. We visited 4 homes and tried to shed a little light on the massive messes they were have to clean up.
The people there have been working so hard and yet they have such positive attitudes. They kept thanking us over and over, but all I could think is I didn't do much. But it was the fact that we were there and that we cared!
The sermon in worship this morning was about returning to normalcy. But do they really want to return to normalcy in the sense of materialism? They want things to return to better than normal. They want to have a change of desires and priorities. I was so touched by this, because this is something we all need to do not just those effected by Katrina. We talked about not just taking out the garbage on the streets or in the homes, but in our lives and in our hearts. We need to evaluate what is important, what are we putting our faith in, and where would we be if we lost everything?
I can only imagine.
Thanks to the survivors of Katrina for your strength and example.
Thanks to all those from R4C that went to help! (you guys are awesome)
My life has changed for the better and I hope that I can keep it that way.
If you have a chance to go help, DO IT!!! The people on the coast need you!
We had lots of great discussions on how to get out of the sheep pin and be seekers for Christ.
I now ask myself, What am I doing to bring others to Christ?
How do we achieve true happiness? How can I be happy? And what makes me unhappy and can I prevent it? These are questions I have been asking myself lately. I often sit and think, where would I be if I had done things differently about 5 years ago. Most of you know that I took 3 1/2 years off from school to work and to try to get my life in order after a few trials. But this decision has haunted me every since I made it. You see, I was at a private Christian school for my freshman year but I was "unhappy" so I decided to return to Oxford and go to Ole Miss. Due to this decision, I lost a semester's worth of hours and the major that I wanted was not longer offered about mid way through my sophomore year. To make a long story short, I have been haunted by people asking me why I didn't stay at Freed-Hardeman ( with the comment to follow you could be married by now if you would have stayed), when are you going to graduate?, but it doesn't stop there. I deal with comments like your younger sisters are all going to graduate before you; why don't you date, you are never going to get married, then there is always the flip side when you get married, and the most common one lately is you will never move out of Oxford, you are always going to work for your dad.
So I guess you are wondering where I am going with this. I have struggled with depression in the past and have a fear of struggling with it again. But I am really struggling with what makes me happy and wondering why if I am happy why can't people be happy for me. For example, being single is not always easy (especially when you have two younger siblings that are married), but a lot of the time I enjoy being single and being able to go and do the things I enjoy without having to check-in first. I will admit that there are times when I would like to have someone to go and do all the things I enjoy with me. But I feel like the people around me are more concerned about the fact that I am not married. Then there is the whole leaving Oxford and finding a new job thing.. I do want to get out of Oxford, but every time I hear you aren't going anywhere it makes me want to leave that much more just to prove a point, but then I question am I doing this because it is what I want and it will make me happy or am I just doing it to prove those around me wrong.
I can't change the decision I made to come back to Oxford for school, or the decision to take time off from school. I will never know if I had stayed at Freed, that I would be married. I don't know where I would be if I had finished school 5 years ago.
But I do know that I will graduate in December and that I will finish what I started almost ten years. I am looking for jobs outside of Oxford, but I don't know if that will happen. Being single is the point I am at right now, so I have to accept that.
Now that I have rambled on, back to my question...
I want to be happy more than anything and I want to be content with the decisions that I made in the past and make the most of them now, but I am not sure exactly how to do that. I think my biggest problem is that I want what I can't have and it is starting to consume me.
I have tried to be reliant on God and trust that he knows what is best, but I am sad to say that the voices around me are louder than His.
How do I keep those decisions from the past from haunting me? How to I rely on God completely?
I know that the answers are not easy, but maybe someone has some advice to help guide me in the right direction.
Well football season is here and we are off to a start with a win! Not necessarily a good or great win, because it was Memphis and not a SEC team (which are the ones that count the most). But the Ole Miss Rebels gave us a scare as usual by putting the game on the edge with the score being 10-6 the Rebels allow Memphis to get to the 10 yard line in attempt to make a touchdown to put them ahead of us. But the Rebels didn't let us down... they got an interception in the end zone to end the game. I must say I was on the edge of my seat most of the second half. But welcome to Ole Miss football.
I love this sport!!! A nice end to Labor Day.
As everyone knows, a hurricane hit south Mississippi early this week and destroyed most everything in its path. No one can tell you how this feels, because there is nothing that can compare to one day having the comforts of home and the next day not knowing where you will end up next or having a place to call home. I did/do not have family on the coast (blood relatives that is), but I do have spiritual family there. My best friend lost not only his home, but the places that he used to hang out with friends, favorite restaurants as well as just the comfort of things familiar. His home town will never be the same again. I guess my struggle now, since I have never been in his shoes or felt the way he feels, how do I help him? what do I say to make things better? I have prayed for him and his family (which is family is safe). I have told him that I am here for him and that I feel for him, but where do I go from there? I have this inner pain that I wish I could take it all away, but I can't.
I realized through all of this how life is so unpredictable. We never know what will happen or even if we will be here another day. Which as also made me realize how much I complain, when I really don't have it that bad. I have a place to sleep, food to eat, friends and family that care about me and a God that will never abandon me. I have never lacked for anything that I could not survive without. I have always had more than I could ever need. But everyday, I struggle with complaining and unhappiness. This week has been a real wake up call for me.
Most of all, I have been reminded of the power of God. If he can create a universe so overwhelming and storms so powerful, then I should have the security knowing that he can take care of me no matter what comes my way. I just have to put my faith and trust in him. Nothing is impossible with God.
To all those who have lots loved ones, and/or all their belongs my heart goes out to you. I pray that time will heal and that you will have the strength to make it through this difficult time. Know that you are loved and being prayed for.
Well school is up and running now. I just finished my first week of the semester and still don't know if I can get in a class yet or not. How crazy is that?!?!?! Financial aid is finally starting to get all my loans fixed after going to class without books, so now maybe I can get my school supplies. So unfortunately this semester is not any different than any other (even though it is my last).
I think this is semester is going to be lots of work, but fun at the same time. I am taking ceramics, printmaking and graphic design 2, and then there is the soar thumb Macroeconomics. I have been working on a few pinch pots for ceramics and it is getting interesting yet difficult. (can we say merry christmas family and friends..:) )
I hope that everyone semester is off to a great start... and for those of you who are still trying to get into classes and get your financial aid.. good luck maybe they will get their act together one day. (yeah, right..)
Have a great weekend!
10 Songs that I currently dig:
1. Maybe Its me - Ingram Hill
2. Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap
3. Just friends - Gavin DeGraw
4. Wasted it all on you - Ingram Hill
5. Better Together - Jack Jackson
6. Feels like Home - Chantal Kneviazuk
7. All for you - Sister Hazel
8. Flake - Jack Johnson
9. When you come back down - Nickel Creek
10. Somebody told me - The Killers
I've also got to tag five people, so I choose Sean, Heather, Rachel, James, and Rick.
I know it has been a little while since I last posted, but I have been thinking about what to post and I wanted it to be more than just another post. So I have decided to share a little of what has been on my mind lately. Since have been back from Argentina, I have been thinking about how lucky I am to know about the Bible and to have received the blessings that God gives and how a lot of the people I came in contact with, don't. But then I got to thinking more and realized that I don't trust God like I was trying to get the people of Argentina too and I am not content. I want to be, but I am not. This is something that I really struggle with on a daily basis. I am afraid to put my complete trust in God and I have not been praying risky prayers because of that. I keep asking myself what has he done that has caused me not to trust him, and my answer is always nothing. Then I ask myself, so what is it the problem? and that is where I get stuck every time. I don't know what the problem is, I don't know why I can't be content with who I am, and the fact that maybe this is where God wants me to be. I need to be happy with that (and I mean sincerely happy) I don't know why when I am low on money, I don't let God take care of it or when I am struggling with personal issues, why I don't let God take it. Why can I trust that is would be so much easier than trying to do it by myself?
I need to quit pretending I have all the answers and confess I need God's help. Eccelesiastes talks about this a lot. That nothing satisfies self without God and being broken inside gives us a need for God's help. I just have to seek it!
Can anyone tell me why this is so hard? And does anyone have any suggestions on how to be content and let God take care of me? or how to better trust him?
My prayer is:
That God is where my meaning comes from. I want to be in awe and humbled by God and let him direct me.
We did a little swimming, paddle boating, hiking, played frizbee and cards. We each had a meal that we responsible for, in pairs that is, so Carrie and I had breakfast on Sunday. Let's say we went all out, we had toaster pasteries (the generic version of pop tarts) and small cartons of orange juice and apple juice. It wasn't fancy, but they were good...since they are what I eat every morning for breakfast.
We were thankful it didn't rain and relaxed when the mosquitoes were biting us.
We finished with weekend, with a bible study and sharing the Lord's supper together.
Grilling out is one of my favorite things to do, especially with friends. So I decided to have game night at my apartment last night and grill hamburgers. It was a lot of fun! There was seven of us that enjoyed a meal together, with lots of laughs from Travis's jokes. Needless, to say we didn't make it to the games. We will have to do that another time.
A friend of mine came early to help me with the burgers and to get everything ready, and then the rest of the gang showed up. We teased one couple that was coming, about always being late, because they were bringing the buns and we were starting to think of ways to eat the hamburgers without a bun. But they came through for us, before we had to get real creative. We enjoyed hamburgers, chips, chocolate chip cookies and watermelon. I LOVE WATERMELON... which is what I bursted out loud for some reason. I guess I really must love watermelon. That became a joke of the evening since I was asked every few minutes if I loved watermelon.
We told a few stories of experiences we have had in the past, some good, some bad, and some gross (caused the plugging of ears a few times), but it all made for great laughs.
The night ended about 1:30 (so I guess it was morning), but everyone agreed that we needed to do this again and more often.
I am thankful for time to spend with friends!
Well summer school is over and now I am just working, with a little playing on the side... like swimming, movie watching and just plan hanging out.
I am just 12 hours away from graduating in December. I am so ready to be done with school, but who knows what will happen after that.
It is amazing how time flies, because summer school flew by and now the summer is really flying by. But I am enjoying what I can of it.
The heat is crazy, but it is nice to be able to lay by the pool and enjoy the cool breeze when there is one. (too bad the pool water fills like bath water... not much cooling off there).
Well I am just rambling... didn't have a whole lot say..
I am going to Nashville very early in the morning to pick up my cousin at the airport. He is returning from Hawaii, how nice is that. But then I will return just for a nice relaxing weekend at home, since those will be few and far between with football season starts!! woo hoo... can't wait.
Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!
My dad was very surprised and loved all the pictures. It was nice to see a new picture of us on his desk at work and it was be fun to use them to decorate his new office.
So now for the topic.. why the title? Well I went to see the movie The
Island last night . A great and very entertaining movie, I might add. But anyway,
the movie is about cloning famous people so they could live forever. But the catch is instead
of cloning just their organs they clone the whole body. The clones all live
in a place they call decontamination, as real people and then they use them
as needed on the Island. I won't give the movie away incase you want to go
see it. But what got me was that they were cloning because "American's goal
is to live forever". This got me to thinking about what worldly people feel
it means to live forever and what Christians feel it means to live forever.
I don't know about you, but I want to live forever in heaven. I just can't
imagine not believing in God or that there is a better life after this. But
obviously there are people in this world that will give anything to live
forever on this earth. In the movie, the clone cost 5 million dollars. WOW!
The price people are willing to pay. For example, plastic surgery just
to look younger. I guess my point in all this is to say, Do I want to live
forever, yes! But in heaven. Just imagine if people took living in heaven
with God as seriously as they do wanting to stay on earth forever or stay
"looking good" forever. Man, earth would be a much nicer place! Just a few
thoughts I had,
Today I am thankful for:
one week left in summer school
getting see Gena and Davis this weekend
helping my dad celebrate 50 years! He is awesome (not you can't have him... but maybe I will share)!
rest and relaxation with a friend
It has been a little while since I wrote, so I am going to try and just fill you in a little bit about what has been going on.... I have taken two tests in summer school .... i have attended class everyday (yes, everyday) .... i have worked about 15 hours at work.... i have studied (a lot, but i guess i could have studied a lot more)... i have helped give a presentation about our LST trip, i have hung out with some of my friends, i have laid by the pool, and this weekend I studied for my next spanish test, i swam at the pool, did laundry, went to a wedding, bought some new teeny shoes, went to a birthday party and then went to see Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I was a little disappointed with how the movie was... although I love Johnny Depp (and I enjoyed his one liners), but I still prefer the old version. So there you have it what i have been up to since my last post.
But I will have to say that I have heard two wonderful sermons during that time too. Bob (the preacher at Oxford) always has a way of saying just what I need to hear. Last week, the sermon was about being lonely. I could relate so much. I know what it feels like to be in a group of people and to feel lonely. But Bob reminded me that I am not alone with God! It is amazing how often I feel so alone and never think about God being there with me. I struggle so much with the need of feeling someone's touch when I am struggling to the point that I forget that God is with me and his touch is there, in the peace that I have through prayer. Which brings me to this weeks sermon on Risky Prayers, something I don't pray. I am not a person that likes change unless I am the one doing the changing. With this problem, I tend pray safe prayers. You know the saying you pray for patience and God is going to give you ways to use it. Well that is where I am. I am trying to pray risky prayers. It is so hard, to let God be in total control! But I am 27 years old and it is past time for God to be in total control. So if that means changing my plans (since I am kinda of a planned person) and letting God make my plans. For example: I want to move from Oxford, I want to go somewhere new, but that might not be what God wants. He might have plans for me here and need to learn to be content with that. And instead of thinking about how much I want to move, think about how is God using me in Oxford and what ways is he trying to use me that I am not doing. Praying Risky Prayers? Hmmm.... got to get on the ball!
Today I am thankful for:
Rena and Angie, I enjoyed lunch with you guys the other day. You both are so special to me (and I am listening to your advise... )
My adopted dad, Eric, for patiently reading my posts and emailing me while I was in Argentina. And for putting up with me when I run to his wife for a hug and don't even say Hi.... I am going to do better, I promise!
Bob and the ability he has to tell me what I need to hear!
My parents for loving me always
Gena and Davis and the relationship that we have, that is getting stronger everyday! I love you guys! (God is working, you will see!)
Wonderful examples that show me what Christ looks like!!
Well I took my first test in summer school yesterday. I think I did pretty well so I am hoping that I am right. Also, I got all my Spanish assignments done before the due date and was able to take Friday to get in a few hours at work and then to have the afternoon and evening to hang out with my wonderful friends. We went to see War of the Worlds. Being that I had not seen the other movie or read the book, I knew nothing about it other than the previews, so it was very enjoyable and intense for me. It was definitely a movie that I didn't sleep though (like Bewitched.. terrible movie by the way). Then we went to Wendy's for dinner after the movie.
Today, I cleaned my apartment, did laundry and then went to the pool for a couple of hours for a little sun and exercise. I love going to the pool (when it is peaceful and not a lot of people... not today). Then we decided to go to see The Fabulous 4. (things seem so expensive now that we are back from Argentina.. what happen to going to the movies for $2) It was very entertaining and a great way to relax on a cloudy Saturday afternoon. After the movie, we went to Ajax's Diner for some fried pickles and a nice dinner. Then the rest of the evening was spent watching Sean play a little bit of Tiger Woods golf, Dave downloading mission trip pictures and then watching a little TV. It is a good feeling to be at home with friends and enjoying an evening of relaxation after an intense week of work and summer school.
I finally am getting back into the groove of things again and it is starting to feel like home... I loved Argentina, but there is nothing like the comforts of home.
All in all it was a great way to spend my first weekend with my friends since I left 7 weeks ago for Argentina.
Today I am thankful for the people I met in Argentina and the impact they had on my life. And I am thankful for my friends that make me smile and make me feel loved. I don't know what life would be like without them (and I don't want to know).
Well I had a some what relaxing weekend, with the a lot of pool side fun. But not all fun, I had to study while I enjoyed sitting in the sun working on my tan. I love to sit out by the pool and relax. I just wish I didn't have to study. So I guess you all have gathered that I am well under way with summer school. I have my first test tomorrow, so I will be going to be bed very soon. But I am pleased to say that I have completed all the homework that I had due by midnight tomorrow, so I plan to join my friends to a movie and some relaxing for the weekend, before it is time to hit the books again.
But in spite of all the summer school stress, I have enjoyed chatting with some of my new friends from Argentina. I have enjoyed talking to them so much. It makes me feel closer, since I am so far away. I love them all and miss them very much, but it brings a smile through all the stress to get an email from them or to chat for a few minutes online. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends.
Things are starting to get back to normal. I have been running (something that I didn't do while in Argentina), watching a little TV and a lot of movies, and I have been to the grocery store so I have been cooking somethings at home again to save money. So I am starting to feel like I am at home again.
I will say that there are still somethings I try to do and think about in Spanish but that it a good thing (I think) since I hope to return to Argentina, sometime soon. It also makes for good laughs when you go to the ice cream stand and you don't know what to order or what all you get since you are used telling the price instead of the size and then getting as many flavors for that amount as you want. Well it was a successful adventure with a much needed laugh. But the ice cream is not the same.. so now it is kind of a let down.
Well I am through rambling for now. I hope that everyone is enjoying the summer. I am trying to in spite of school.
I hope that everyone is enjoying there 4 day weekend. I have been studying and sitting by the pool. My sister, Gena and my nephew, Davis came and ate lunch with me, then we went swimming for a little while. But then it was back to the books. My parents had a cookout at their house tonight and the whole congregation was invited. We enjoyed hamburgers, homemade ice cream, volleyball, horse shoes and just the laughs from visiting with friends. To end the night, the kids enjoyed helping my dad with the fireworks (yes, we were very careful and practice safety first). Everyone else enjoyed watching them and visiting.
Well it is back to school tomorrow and I will go to work for the first time since I have been back from Argentina.
HAPPY 4th TO EVERYONE!
I have completed my first two days of summer school and I am enjoying my first weekend back in Oxford. I was able to catch up on my sleep last night and I mean literally catching up.. I got 16 hours of sleep. It felt so good. I actually a little bit like my old self again. I have spent a little time at the pool, cleaned my apartment, did laundry, got ALL my pictures developed and in an album (actually 3 albums), and did a little homework in between. So my routine is coming back to me and I am loving being able to sit on my couch and relax with a little time by myself. I have gotten to eat at all the places that I was missing so now I can go back on my diet and start walking/running again.
I will get to hear a sermon in English for the first time in 6 weeks tomorrow. I am so excited! It is amazing what you miss that you thought you wouldn't. The saying that "you want what you can't have", is so true. There were things that I never dreamed I would want while I was gone, but it made me appreciated what I have so much more. Besides, all the people and the time that we shared to together there is one thing I wish I could have brought back and that is the cost of things. The peso was 3:1, and that was great! Now things seem so expensive and it makes me think twice before buying it. (which I think is a blessing in disguise).
The trip was wonderful, but I am glad to be back in the US of A and in the comforts of my own home.
My post will be back to normal too... :)
We were suppose to get back to Oxford about 11 or so Tuesday night, but those plans were changed when we missed our connecting flight in Atlanta. You are probably saying why did you miss you flight... well it was not on purpose believe me. Apparently there was bad weather in Atlanta Tuesday morning (or so that is what Airtran said...although they were the only ones who seemed to be bothered by the problem). So anyway, our plane in Dallas to Atlanta was delayed for an hour, but we were told not to worry that our flight in Atlanta to Memphis was delayed too. So we arrive in Atlanta and there is another plane in our spot, so sit in the taxi area for 20 minutes, needless to say that is why we missed our connect...we couldn't run fast enough.
So we go to customer service and complain of course, but they said there was nothing they could do for us. They could not promise us a flight until 5 the next day and that was not a guarantee, it could be 2 days they said. But they didn't offer a hotel or anything, but a $7 voucher toward a meal in the airport. (how sweet of them) We decide to rent a car and drive to Memphis. But in the meantime, we don't know where our luggage is. We were told that it got on our plane (why our luggage and not us.. we still haven't figure that one out yet), but them they were sure. So we were told to wait in the airport for 2 hours and they would find it and send it up. So we wait, then we hear our names over the intercom. We go to baggage claim and they tell us they don't know where our luggage is that we mine as well go on to Memphis. So about midnight, we head to Memphis. (the best part was that we had a pimped out explorer as our mode of transportation). Sean was a blessing, he drove us ALL the way to Memphis. We arrived safely and when we got to the airport in Memphis our luggage was there!!! and my parents!!
We got to our apartment about 8:30 am and it never looked better. I felt like Dorothy (there is no place like home).
Well I am back in Oxford... summer school has begun! I am still having out of body experiences, with adjusting being back home. We had a very eventful trip home.. which I will post later. Just wanted to post a quick note to let everyone know that I am home!
More details to come...
A summary of our trip as a team:
We read with 79 people.
We had 344 bible study hours.
We had 36 people interested in follow-up.
We are so thankful for the lives that were touched and the seeds that were planted. The Lord was with us every step of the way and was able to help us in ways we couldn't help ourselves. We have lots of wonderful memories that we will be able to cherish for a lifetime. I pray that I will be able to see many of the people that I met again whether it is in Argentina again or in heaven. My life has been changed and I hope that others were changed too.
Thanks to everyone that supported me financially, through prayer and many other ways. I am so blessed to have you in my life and I would not have been able to go had it not been for you. I thank God for you!
Well our last party was a great success! We had red beans and rice and played bingo. We made paper airplanes and took lots of pictures! We said some goodbyes, but the church is having a special tea time for us today so many of them are coming to say goodbye there.
Our last weekend in Argentina has been filled with last minute things that we wanted to see and do. We went Uruguay on Friday and rode the Buquebus. It was awesome and very relaxing, just want we needed. On Saturday, we went the Chris (one of the missionaries) to the Province to have lunch at a down home Argentina grill. It was very good. The grill they cooked on was HUGE!!! Then we spent the afternoon with Karina, souvenir shopping and sharing coffee together. We walked along the port and talked about our experiences in Argentina. Then to close out the evening, we went to Spettus (the resturant I talked about before, that we promised to go back to). We took Eric and Erika as a thank you for all they had done for us while we were here. About 1 am, we headed home. We packed and stayed up late to be sure and be tired for the plane. Today, we visited one last place, La Boca (the city with the painted houses). It was very interesting and very different from anything else we had seen, but a lot of fun. We grabbed some lunch at Burger King and then closed out our sightseeing with a gigante cup of Freddo! (ice cream, that is).
We have a meeting with Eric to debrief our trip and then it is time to say our goodbyes. We have had a lot of fun and have made some wonderful friendships, but we pray that seeds have been planted and we will see all the people that we have grown to love in heaven one day. (but maybe before we meet in heaven, we will be able to come back)
This is will be my last post for a few days because we have our end meeting in Dallas. We will be in Dallas on Monday and Tuesday, but I hope to see most of you on Wednesday night at church.
Thanks for all your prayers and all your support. Our team would not have made it without you!
Okay, Dave, you asked for it! Below are your questions, which you will post on your blog, along with the official rules which will come after the questions. Ready? Go!
Questions for Dave
1. What is your favorite scripture in the Bible and why?
2. If you could change one thing about your trip to Argentina what would it be?
3. What is your dream or ideal job?
4. Of all the things that you did in Argentina what did you like the most?
5. Who is your all time favorite actor or actress and why?
Bonus Question:
Why is it that every time you fill out a survey about what character are you, you end up being a women?
Here are the "rules" I posted before, which you will post along with your answers:
1. Leave me a comment saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions here on my blog (not the same questions you see here).
3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
Good luck, Dave-- I look forward to reading your answers at The Retirement Home! http://retirementhome.blogspot.com
1. If I could live anywhere without worrying about a job, where would it be and why?
I would want to live where my closest friends are, because they are what make a place special. But I would love to speak Italian and live in Rome or Florence, Italy. It would be spectacular place to live, but I would want my friends there with me.
But my dream is to have a log cabin in the woods, (not necessarily the backwoods) with a lake on the property and privacy to enjoy the nature around me.
2. What is your favorite song and what does it mean to you?
I have lots of favorite songs, but usually I have a song that I listen to that speaks to me at the time. So today, I have two. Being that I am on a mission trip I have things on my mind that make me want to be a better Christian. The first one is Audience of One by Watershed Worship.
Words: What I want doesn’t matter, what I do depends on you, what I become that’s matters (repeat) Who am I to chose, without your lead I lose, that is why I live to please an audience of one. Holy, Holy, Holy Lamb of God
When I listen to this song, it puts things in perspective. It is hard for me to say what I want doesn’t matter, but in truth does it really, it should be what God wants. What I become is definitely what matters, and whom I chose to follow to get there makes all the difference in the world. So the audience I should be please is God (the audience of one) not the world or myself. But if I am really desire to do what God wants then what I want should be the same as what he wants.
The other song is Start A Fire by Watershed Worship (also)
Words: Start a fire in me; let the flames run free, burn away the scars, holy fire of God. So let it begin, let it be new, let it be used for your sake, giving glory to your name, I can live knowing that you, you reside in my heart oh Lord you are the fire, the fire of God. (It repeats lots of times, so these are basic words)
I like the idea of know that God resides in my heart. I want the fire of being a Christian to run deep in me all the time. I want to get ride of all the things that could get in the way of me not being used for his glory. I think of fire as providing light and warmth, which is what Jesus, provides from me and I want to help provide that for other people.
3. Describe the place you feel most at peace and closest to God
I love to sit on the rocks by the lake or ocean and listen to the water hit the rocks and watch the sunset. I also (even though I am scared of heights) like to sit on the side of the mountains and look out (not down) and see the landscape.
I also love to lie on the dock or on a blanket in an open area at night and look at the sky and watch for shooting stars. I mostly feel closest to God when I am in nature and can see his awesome power and creation.
Retreats with other Christians singing praises to God (like Gulf Coast), when I get goose bumps from the words and the sound of all the voices being lifted up.
4. What is one of your first memories of me?
I am not sure if this is exactly a first, but I remember chatting with your mom when she came up early to paint your room before you moved into the center. You were working at the pharmacy and couldn’t come paint (since she loves to paint it was ideal for her)… that is not really a memory of you but then again it is. We were always rearranging furniture at the center and trying to decide what to do about the lobby upstairs. I remember going bowling and you were better than you let on…and still are. The memory that stands out most in my mind is the LSU/Ole Miss, we stayed up late and made signs, then we got up pretty early to go and sit outside the gate for hours on end to get our seats. It was hot, but it was a blast and an event I am sure we will never forget! (it just stinks that we didn’t win) (I also remember you being an Alabama fan and that is still not acceptable). It is hard for me to think… We didn’t start getting to be close friends until this past summer, because before then you went home often and stayed in your room a lot. So I have to say I like the later memories than the first one (not to say that the first were bad, I just didn’t know you as well as I do now). I hope this answer is not too disappointing.
5. What is the most unique experience you have had while in Argentina?
This one is difficult (not like the others aren’t) but I have so many. But I must say the one that sticks out in my mind, is the night we went to this steak house called Spettus. It is an all you can eat (literally) meal, without a buffet. They serve you and you have a red and green card on the table, when you are full you put it on the red side for stop. But being that we don’t speak Spanish very well they kept bringing out all kinds of meat and we didn’t know how to ask, “what is this?” but even if so would we understand the response. So anyway, they bring out this meat and we decide we will just try to all. And this particular piece was so awesome that we wanted them to bring it back, but there again we didn’t know what it was to ask. So until someone could come tell us in English what it was, we just called it the mystery meat. After waiting and eating many other things, it came time for us to eat it again. So you are wondering what was it… COW THROAT!! (Ok, get grossed out… but it was awesome… it tasted so good!!! )
Here are the "rules" I posted before, which you will post along with your answers:
1. Leave me a comment saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions here on my blog (not the same questions you see here).
3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
thanks for interviewing me, heather.
My 5 questions from TraceTalks:
1. Top 3 reasons I decided to go to Argentina:
A. I had been on LST missions before and loved meeting new people and sharing my faith with them and I wanted the opportunity to do it again (also I will be graduating soon and I wasn’t sure if I would get the opportunity again)
B. I wanted to spend the summer with my closest friends, and what better way than in Argentina sharing my faith. (A great experience to share with friends)
C. I love to travel and see other places in the world. I am financially limited, so have a reason and being able to see the world on the side sounds great to me.
2. How are my sisters alike and how are they we different?
I think the way we are most alike is that we are all Christians and that has helped us get through our differences. We are all active in church activities, such as teaching Bible classes. We all want Christian husbands (some are more successful than others and that is how we different). We all love being outside doing outdoor activities. We are all daddies’ girls. We all like our sleep, but some like it at different times (for example Gena goes to bed early and sleeps in (but not since she is a mom), I go to bed late and sleep in even later, Carrie is like me and Carla is in between). We have the same smile, growing up we liked to share clothes and like a lot of the same foods and are all pretty picky (some more than others).
Ways we are different:
Carla and Gena are married
Gena has Davis (my nephew)
Carrie and I are still in school
Our interest in jobs and careers are different
Gena is a homebody, the rest of us not so much
Carla, Gena and Carrie loved Harding (I never went, Christian school was not for me)
We all have different ways to handle our problems, and this usually can cause fights between us.
I would say that we are more alike than we are different, even though our overall personalities can be very different, when it comes to interest such as movies, music, and friends (we do have a lot of the same ones though).
3. What makes art and design so intriguing to you?
I like creating things and making things look good. Most people will buy something depending on how it looks, so if the design is poor they are not going to buy it. That is where I come in. I love crafty type things and drawing. I love to see what other people can create, that is why I love art museums and shows. It is always interesting to me, to ask how did that think of that? what was going on in their life and mind at the time? Just like music (what inspired them to write the words they wrote)
A lot of times art comes from making a lot out of something little, like using junk at home and putting it together to make something interesting. Also art is something that will last, just like a picture. Every art has its own personality and that makes it special.
4. Five Memories or lessons you will carry with you from Argentina for the rest of my life
(These are not in a particular order)
A. Patience is a special gift and I don’t have a lot of it. Reading with different people and understanding why they believe the things they do takes patience, because I want them to know Christ and how much better life if they were living for him. Being patient, knowing you can’t have it your way all the time and being considerate of other people’s habits and behaviors. Not everyone thinks and acts like me. (Thank goodness)
B. Communication and honesty is very important! Every problem we came across this trip was all about communication. If we had just said what we were thinking or asked instead of assuming, things could have gone a lot smoother when there was conflict. Just being honest about how you are feeling and the desires you have. No one will know unless you tell him or her.
C. God is with me and anything is possible with Him! There were times where patience had run out, bodies where tired and sick, taxis were lost, hearts were broken and homes were missed but God helped us through it all! We always made it home, prayers were ALWAYS being answers and love was always being shown from those around us.
D. People need the Lord! There are so many people that just don’t know what they are missing. There are people here who have so many problems and are looking for a solution and I wish that they would look to God. There are so many people that need to hear God’s word and need to be loved as Christ loves us.
E. Friendship is priceless! We have made some friends and I hope that we will see them in heaven one day, but I would not have made it through this trip without my friends. When times were tough there was always someone there to pick up the pieces. When you think you can’t go anymore there is someone there to lend a hand or carry a bag. When you are missing the comforts of home, you know that one comfort from home is with you… My Friends!
5. Tell me about a time in your life that you look back at and say, “I will never do that again!”
Wow, there is so many! I guess most importantly what is on my mind right now, is relationships. There are lots of things I would never do again when it comes to dating someone. I have a list of what I am looking for and settling for less is something that I will never do again. God has a plan for me and he wants nothing but the best for me, therefore I should not want anything but the best for myself.
Now, by Tracey's instructions, I will interview the first three people responding to this post. The rules are as follows:
1. Leave me a comment saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions here on my blog (not the same questions you see here).
3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
With only one weekend left, we are trying to make sure that there is nothing that we missed and going back to the places that we want to see again. But this weekend was a little more relaxing than most because we were going to hang out with some of our readers and friends from church.
The weekend began was a good lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. We were in need of a little taste of home in the food department. So we ate til we were stuffed and then relaxed at the restaurant for a few hours before heading to the The Hance's to meet our friends. We arrived there about 6 PM and enjoyed visiting with Karina (one of the church members) as we waited for the others to arrive. We played cards and they taught us their version of spoons. (and you thought spoons was intense). Then we ordered empanadas and visited until everyone was tired and ready to go home.
On Saturday, we split up to go to places that we want to go back to. Sean and I went back to the Art Galleries, but only a couple were opened (I am beginning to wonder if they are ever open anymore) and Dave and Jeremy went to buy souvenirs. Then we met up with Karina to go downtown and see some of the things that she enjoys that we had not seen, like the planaterium, japanese gardens and the rose garden. After enjoying an evening around town we decided to go get something to eat. We ate at ta Chavito and it was awesome!!! It was one of the best meals yet. The hamburger was pretty close to a Wendy's hamburger. The meat was better but the taste was pretty close. That will be a place on our list if we are in that area again. We sat and visited at the restaurant and then to home it was. We had to get up early for our readers on Sunday morning.
It was a lot of fun hanging out with Karina and seeing the city from a different point of view.
We will be working extra hard this week to get ready for the LKT team that is coming on the 28th and preparing for our end meeting. Please pray for our last week here, that we will be able to end well and leave the message of Christ with all those we meet.
Thank you for your prayers when I was sick. I am must better now! I look forward to seeing you all in a week or so.
We took a group of 15 people to see Batman Begins after our party Thursday night. It was a lot of fun to be with our readers and to enjoy an excellent movie. It was awesome! They had an intermission which was wierd, but it was kind of frustrating because it was like going to a commercial at the important part of a TV show. But the movie was so good it didn't take but a second to get back into it. I think it is was one of the better ones I have seen. The actor they picked for Batman, was a good choice. It was action filled and intense. What a great way to start the weekend.
Our theme this week was Olympics. We had gatorade and cookies for dessert (the gatorade was homemade, but it was all gone so they were either really thirsty or just being polite). We began with a number game, where everyone had an activities they were suppose to do with another number. It was fun. Then let the games begin, it was odds vs evens. LST had given us some suggestions in our training book about Olympic games, so we brought supplies to do them all. We had two people from each team compete in each competition. There were some games that were more exciting than others. To close out the night we played two group games, the newspaper and simon says. The night ended with no winner in Simon says... you really have to know your English and fast.
We had 12 readers who attended this party. We have had more and more readers coming to each party. This time we had more readers in attendance than anyone else.
We are closing out our party next week with a Farewell/Bon Voyage to say bye to everyone.
For those of you who don't know, I have been very sick for about 4 days now. But I feeling much better today, so I have posted everything that has happened since I had been unable to post. You should be able to read everything below, there should be at least 4 posts. I hope that will get everyone caught up. We have our next party tonight so I will be posting about it soon.
Please keep our team in your prayers as we draw near to the end. Pray that we will remain focused and that our trip will end well.
Thanks to those of you that have prayed for me while I sick, your prayers are being answered. Just keep praying that we will all remain well for the remainder of the trip.
I love you all... see you in a few weeks.
To complete the weekend, we had mail bags that we put notes that we had written to each other during the weekend to encourage each other. It was a blessing to be able to read what the people hear had to say about us in a short amount of time. It will be a wonderful souvenir to bring home!
It was very cold but we had lots of fun trying to figure out how to make adjustments for small and large strides that were tied together.
We had lots of time to get to know each other better, during crafts and free time. Lots of the readers enjoyed playing soccer, while others were making cards, visors and bracelets. We enjoyed many meals together. The meals were excellent. There was a lady named Jacquie, who is from the states but she lives in Argentina now, and she hooked us up with some awesome AMERICAN food... like apple and peach cobbler... spaghetti and cinnamon rolls. That was just an added bonus to the weekend.
I have found that the young people across the world are struggling with the same things that I struggle with and that has helped us relate more to each other. We have been able to share stories, with each other and work together to look to God for the answers. We have been able to search the scriptures together and pray together too.
I know that God is working here and that seeds are being planted! I look forward to the day when we hear about there growth and we are all united again in Heaven.
The reader that is in the photo is Federico. He reads with me 3 days a week and comes to all the parties. He attends the church at Villa Urquiza. His family are not Christians. He struggles with helping his sister who is in Italy, when turning to the church is something that she does not understand. We have had many interesting discussions and have searched the Bible often when we neither one know the answer. I think that he is growing spiritually and will continue even after I am gone.
I have 11 other readers that are a lot like him, only he is searching deeper into God's word and they are lost and do not know where to search. I pray that the seeds that are planted here will help them see that God is the answer they are searching for!
The picture is of Ally (Chris Kelley's wife, one of the missionaries) and myself. She is such a wonderful person. We have only gotten spend a little time together but the time we have spent has been great. She is pregnant and about ready to pop!! We are expecting Jonathan Bruce at any time!
We went with about 11 people to the Argentina vs Brazil soccer game. It was wild. We were up near the top (but the view was still good, except for a pole in a few at times) and there was a bob wire fence in front of us. We were wondering what is the fence for, well as the game began and Argentina score the answer came to us. The crowd went wild and people were jumping on the fence like monkey in a cage. You could just feel the excitement, it was amazing.
The coolest part of the game to me, was that they chanted and the drums kept a constant beat the ENTIRE game! (of course Argentina was winning the whole time, but it was still awesome that they could constantly play the drums that long)
When something good would happen, they would all start singing and jumping up and down all in unison.
Some of the things that were different was there was no announcer, no scoreboard, no time remaining and no commercial breaks. For the commercial the game continues they just run the commercial at the bottom of the screen. How awesome would that be... no commercial breaks!!!
There was lots of people there and the Brazil fans had to stay in their seats until the Argentine people were gone to avoid fights. The fire department was there, we are supposing to hose down the fans who need a little reminder to behave. (keep in mind that it was really cold there too)
It was a awesome experience! Argentina wins 3 to 1!!!
Well this weekend the team decided to divide up and go see things that we wanted to see (especially since our time here is limited and there is not enough time to see it all). So on Friday, Sean and I set out (in the rain) to go to the Malba ( a privately owned art gallery). It had some very cool photos! On the way, we stopped and visited Tiffany's (the jewelry store, that is always raved about). The lady was so nice, she tried to sell us a Tag watch, but it was a little out of our price range, about $1200 out...:), then we went to the Macstation. It was very cool, I can saw I have been to the only Mac store in South America. We didn't buy anything, since it is more expensive than we can get it at home. Then we went to the Abasta mall, where we enjoyed a little taste from home (well not exactly but the closest so far) at Burger King. After dinner, we decided to go see a movie and just relax from walking blocks after blocks after blocks, which is what you have to do here to see the city.
We caught the last subway home by the skin of our teeth. But the day was lots of fun! Not too stressful, which is exactly what I needed.
On Saturday, we set out again but this time no rain. It was a very nice day. We went to the Teatro Colon for a tour. It was awesome. I would love to go see a performance there, but it appears that is out of the question since the staff is on strike. So we continued on our way, to the art galleries that we have been trying to buy art from and they were closed once again. This is where the walking and the not being able to talk in Spanish are a problem. You walk all that way and then they are closed, they have like garage doors over the regular doors so you can't see the time and then you can't call them if you can't speak Spanish, but we have decided we are going to go early one Friday and make sure we catch them when they are open. But we weren't in a hurry to see decided to continue walking to the other side and see some of the other art galleries were told about, but guess what? they were closed too. Saturday is not a happening day like it is at home, so we are just going to have to work something out to come earlier. We continue to walk some more to the look for the Galleria Pacifico, we weren't sure where it is so we just started walking in the general direction of where we thought it might be and we were successful. It was the ritzy part of town, with the name brands and fancy restaurants. But the oddest or coolest which ever way you want to look at it, there was an art gallery on the top floor. It was neat.
So it was about time to start heading in the direction of home. We walked the streets and saw a tango show and some other actors. It was pretty cool that they do that in the streets and it was fun to watch.
On Saturdays, they have youth night at the church, so we stopped by to visit for a little while and to find something to eat. The youth were playing futbol, so we decided to order (actually Ally ordered it for us) Pepperoni Pizza (which is very rare here) and watch Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma baseball on the internet! It was awesome! (although I dreamed of being at the game) We won! and it made a great end to a fun weekend. Back to work on Sunday! (this will be a long week because we have FriendsCamp this weekend)
We have been here for almost 3 weeks and everyday has it own experiences. I have had some interesting questions and been told interesting things. I will give you some examples. I have about 12 readers, sometimes more, sometimes less depends on the day (whether they decide to come or not). But recently, I received a new reader. I told the team not to pray for patience because God would put experiences in our way to test it! and as always that rang true. This readers names is Clara, she is 45 years old and is a radio broadcaster. She loves to talk!!! She was a buddhist but not she is a metaphysicist. She believes that she knows everything she needs to know spiritual and that she has all the answers. She believe in reincarnation and that is what she is waiting on. We met for the first time a last week, and at the first meeting we are suppose to gather personal information and share about ourselves. Well, we almost didn't get through the information page of about 6 questions, when I asked her "what is your nationality?' that opened up a can of worms. She wears a pin so that people will not ask, but I asked. She also told me that I spoke too fast for her. But then she told me that she was going to New York and want to know how they spoke and would I help her. ( I wanted to say they speak faster than me, but that is where the patience came in). We didn't get into Luke on that meeting, but we scheduled our second meeting in which we did get to read a little of Luke. She came prepared and by do I mean prepared! She had done lessons 1 and 2, and had written a page about Gabriel. (the lesson was about the angel coming to Mary to talk to her about being Jesus' mother) Gabriel in the metophysicist religion is very different than the way that I saw Gabriel, but again patience was needed. We finished lesson 1 and 2, but I told her that I thought we should stop there for the day since we are technically only suppose to do one lesson at a time per session. She was Ok with that because she had other plans in mind... sometimes I wonder who was teaching who in these sessions. She is very convicted about her beliefs as am I, so of course there is room for conflict. But what do you tell someone who thinks they have it all together? She has a book with all the answers to her problems and if she comes across something she needs help with her "masters" will help her. I asked her where did this religion come from and she said that it is the good from all religions. I think you understand my dilema here and why I need patience. I don't have all the answers, but I know where to get them and that is from God. It makes me sad to here her stories and the ideas she has because I want everyone to go to heaven. So please pray that I will have patience to talk to her (that I will have the opportunity because usually I can't get a word in) and not give up. I don't know what to say and I don't understand what she believes in.
I have many other readers that need Jesus, more than they need English practice. But God has opened a door for me to show them thru English. I pray that I am able to do that. I am reminded of one of my favorite scriptures: Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." It is in God's hands. I plant the seed and he makes it grow!!! It is not about me, it is about Him! We talked about weakness in devo this morning and how God uses our weaknesses to show our need for Him and that is so true. Because I don't have all the answers only He does, I just have to lead them to him.
God is blessing me in so many ways! Today I am thankful to have been raised in a family that loved God, because I wouldn't want to imagine life any other way.
Well we had our second party and it was a big success. Everyone participated and had a wonderful time. Our theme was about our home town and Ole Miss. We made up cheers (which we used the team names they came up with for later games). And then we played Bingo. We had cards with football items on them and then had black eyed peas for our bingo chips. It was a lot fun to see everyone get so excited. Then we played pictionary and that was fun too, except it was a little difficult to get volunteers to draw. Dave drew the tie breaker!
We had chips, dip and veggies. We brought the dip mixes from home and they were a big hit. One reader asked for the recipe. Although they thought that the fiesta one was spicy (we are not sure why...but) and they don't normally eat vegetables raw, but I guess they were polite and did it for us because there was not much left.
All in all it was a big success. We all felt that it went better than the first and we hope they keep getting better. We had 8 of our readers join us and 19 church members and then some brought friends.
Some of our readers are beginning to ask questions, so that means they are searching for something! So keep the prayers coming. Please pray for one of my readers, Irma. She told me the other day when I told her I would pray about her situation, she said thank you, maybe your prayers will work because mine don't. I pray that she will not give up and know that since it has been 3 years (the situation she is in has been going on that long), maybe God has answered her prayers just not in the way she wanted.
Today I am thankful for readers searching and having the opportunity to talk to him about God.
I have posted a view pictures of our trip online. If you would like to view them, you can go to http://community.webshots.com/user/gerbdaisies
I hope everyone is having as much fun as I am!
Everyday is a new day in here. Yesterday, we a holiday here in Argentina. So we didn't have any readers. We went to the zoo!!!! I loved it. It was so much fun. It is very different than our zoo at home. They have cows!!! ( took a picture, because I was so surprised), but one of my readers told me that the farm animals that were at the zoo (yes, there were sheep, roosters, rabbits, goats, chickens and other farm animals.), that is there only way they can see them. I enjoyed it very much, seeing the monkeys (my favorite)! They had kangaroos and camels too. Ok well that is enough about the zoo. After the zoo, we went to an amazing art exhibit. We spent about 2 hours there and could have spent a lot more. It was so amazing, there was some very interesting pieces and then some very enjoyable pieces that I would like to have taken home with me. Then we went for ice cream!!! I had strawberry and cookies and cream! It was wonderful!
After touring a little, we were invited to Ed and Carolyn Hance's home. They are members of the Villa Urquiza church and live downtown. It an amazing apartment. There home was definitely not what I think of when I think of Argentina living. We meet the LST team from Cabillito there and then many church members from Villa Urquiza came too. We played biliquial scrabble in pairs. It was a lot of fun. After dinner (which was also excellent) we had a Bible study and singing. It was so moving to hear the songs in English and Spanish. For some reason I like some of the Spanish versions better. I got goose bumbs. I think that there is something so special about traveling around the world and worshipping with people from a different culture. It is so amazing to have something so powerful in common with them that not even the language barrier can separate. I am still in awe! of how great this place is.
I have had some awesome reading sessions. I have four specific readers that are challenging me and it is something that I have needed for a long time. I hope that am able to touch them like they have touched me. I pray that they can see Jesus in me and that I will be able to show them what an awesome God we serve. And what a wonderful life it is to live in him.
I have always said mission work is a special experience. It is not something that you can betray in words, only by experience.
God is working here!
Today, I am thankful for this experience and for the opportunities I have to share God with my readers.
And thankful for all who have contributed to this opportunity whether financially or through prayer.
Wow, I am not sure how else to describe the structures, art and dining. It is all so amazing. I am so fascinated by all the statues and structure that are downtown. Everything is so tall or big, unlike things in the stores. When purchasing things in the grocery stores, everything comes in small packages. They do not buy by the week like we do. It is more on a couple of day basis.
We went to see Star Wars and I got POPCORN!!! The movie was excellent and the popcorn was excellent. I wish I had had a togo box to take the extra with me. The movie cost us $2!! We can't even rent an old movie for that much. It was great. The theater was nice. Then the guys ate at the food court (I was not hungry, after all the popcorn). The food court was a lot like ours. But I did get ice cream! It was good too!
We went downtown to see some of the sites, like the Pink House (it is like our White House), they have a monument similar to our Washington Monument, and then my most favorite thing so far was the art galleries. I wanted to bring some of it home with me. It was so awesome! They have some amazing artist here. The detail was so awesome. But it was near the end of the day when we found these galleries, so I am hoping to go back and look some more another weekend. We went to a fancy restaurant for dinner, and the food was good but it was much more than I could eat, so the boys took it home to eat later. We played spades for a little while, and then it was time to call it quits for the evening.
Yesterday, we went to Recoleta. It is a market and artesy area. We went to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. I had a New York Strip and it was awesome!!! We went to the cemetery, to see where Evita was buried. The cemetery was a cool experience, but creepy at the same time. Sean took lots of cool pictures, so I am going to get him to share. Then off to the market, Mom and Dad, don't be surprised if I stay, since I can't ship home all the things that I liked in the furniture stores. The furniture and other home furnishings were so modern and simple. It was so cool. I loved it! I am still trying to think of ways to get it home. Dad you know the bed we started making, well we have to finish it. I know exactly what I want it to look like! (I hope we still have the supplies). I wish you all could see this! It is incredible!
We went to the church about 7:15, to hang out with the youth for a little while. There singing is beautiful. And it is cool to hear the songs we sing in a different language. (reminds me of Rome and Urkraine) I hope we can sing Soon and Very Soon!
The teens played soccer, but I didn't (not really my thing). Jeremy is getting the hang of it. Sean and Dave have colds so they don't need to be playing.
I am falling in love with this place already and I haven't even been here a week yet! The people are so friendly, the building are so awesome, the transportation (has its ups and downs) and I am getting lots of exercise! I think I have even lots a pound or two! (which makes it even better). The only thing I haven't gotten used to yet is the fact that I keep thinking about what time it is at home. So every time, I get up in the morning I think it is 6 AM at home! (but then I have to remind myself that I will be going to bed when it is 10 pm at home).
Today, we are back at the church meeting with readers. I don't have any today, so I am catching up on email and doing a few things to get ready for the week. The guys all have at least 2 readers today. We have worship tonight at 5. I am looking forward to meeting the church members.
Today I am thankful for how blessed I am!
I am also thankful that the Lord has blessed us with many readers and the help of The Hentons.
I can see great things coming out of this experience!
Are we in Argentina? That is the question. For some it doesn't feel like we are really away from home. We can get most anything we want here. There is one that is different, we met the butcher at the supermarket and he is going to come to church on Sunday and offered to cook us dinner. I don't know that that would happen in the states. The people are very friendly. I am making friends with my readers already.
I have 13 readers and lots of them want to read often. It is so exciting. A lot of them speak English very well. I asked one of my readers if he believed that God could do anything and his response was I am not married I don't know. He is 26 years old. I told him that I could relate on the married situation, but to not give up on God sometimes we have to wait for His time and he said he hasn't given up. He thinks he needs to grow up a little first and finish school. I feel that this is going to be a wonderful experience, especially since we have so much in common already.
We had our first party, with 26 people in attendance. We played pin the tail on the donkey (or whatever you might have called it, it didn't look much like a donkey. But it made for great laughs), hangman (in English) and we made smores. The smores were a big hit! I had 3 readers come to the party and they all said they had a great time. Next week, we will have a Party in the Grove. For dinner, we ate pizza. It tasted a lot like American pizza.
We have our first weekend off starting tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing the city.
After an interesting night of having a surprise visitor (a cat), when I thought I had closed the doors good. But all in all I slept very well. The guys are jealous because I have the best quarters for sleeping (we all have it really good, I just have it a little better). I told them it is just a privilege of being the only female. But there are two apprentices coming soon, so we are going to have to move around a little to make room for them.
I had my first reader this morning. His name is Fredrico. He attends the church here, but is not a Christian. He is a law student and wants to read often. We had a very good session this morning and he plans to attend our party tomorrow.
Things are off to a great start and I know that it is going to get better. We have had lots of calls this morning from new readers! So we have added about 4 or 5 more. Keep the prayers going! Pray that we are able to say and show them things of Christ and that they will want to know more!
Today I am thankful for this opportunity and that we are blessed with such a wonderful support system.
Already had my first adventure. We went to the mall this afternoon (instead of taking a nap) after meeting with the missionaries and getting things organized with the team. Sean and I decided we wanted some ice cream, so we went back upstairs, while Emily (our translator) and the others waited downstairs. We thought how hard can this be, well we found out. It took us about 20 minutes or so to decide that we were just going to wing it. It was fun and entertaining trying to communicate. You are probably asking so what did you end of getting.. amazingly exactly what we wanted. He got chocolate and I got vanilla. We had enough money to buy it too!!(thanks dad for the pesos before we left) I shared with the whole team (the others got something to drink)
Our information meeting went well. We got several readers! Dave and I have 8 and Sean and Jeremy have 5. But we had 72 on the list so we are going to call them tomorrow.
Well I am going home to rest and take care of stats and getting our schedules ready for tommorrow. God is working here! Keep praying for us!
Just wanted everyone to know that we made it safely. Tne flight was long but we didn't have any problems along the way.
We are with our host families and will be meeting later this afternoon to get everything square away to begin. We have our information meeting tonight.
There will be more posts as I have time and am near a computer.
Feel free to post comments.
Love you all!
Well the day has arrived. We will be boarding the plan at 6:02pm to head to Atlanta then to Buenos Aires.
I am packed.. but not sure about ready to go. I don't feel like that it is time to be going yet. Time as flown by and we will be well underway by this time next week.
Everything that I can think of it taken care at home. Bills are being paid (that is an important one)
Hugs have been given and good byes and see you in 6 weeks have been said.
And we are off... with the many blessings of the congregation and love from those around us. We are going to be blessed and God' seed it going to be planted.
What an extraordinary mission!!!
Thank for this opportunity and will be more thank when we land in Argentina (don't like to fly)
See you guys in 6 weeks!
Take care of the home front and have a great summer!
I would go swimming and lay by the pool but there is a private party for the weekend (so I am a little disappointed)
So we are leaving Oxford at 1:30 on Monday to head to Memphis. And then the trip will officially have begun. I am excited yet nervous. I am not a big fan of flying so once I get there I will be fine.
I am going to try and post on here while I am on my trip so that everyone will be able to read it, without forgetting email addresses and that sort of thing.
Summer break is only a day away!!
I am thankful!!!
My mom's test came back showing nothing. She is still numb on her left side, but the tests didn't show anything, which could be good or bad. But we are thinking about it in a positive manner and thinking of ways that she might could help this problem.
My adopted parents are wonderful! I was worried about paying for things while I was gone.. the worry is gone! It is true the Lord will provide. I keep remembering what Bob said about giving to God even when you have nothing to give. Well it works, the last couple of weeks I have given money when I didn't have it (not bragging...I just don't always give at church like I should and I have tried to give more) and God has provided. I have not gone without food, new clothes have come for my trip, expenses of living have been taken care of and so much more! I am just in awe!
God is amazing and I get to share that will lots of people in a special way starting next week! I have a new story to tell!
Nothing is impossible with God!!
Two more finals and I can have a break for a few days! I am thankful for that too.
DON'T GIVE UP ON GOD, HE HAS NOT GIVEN UP ON YOU!!!!!