I have not written in my journal in a while nor have I blogged recently, so I feel a bit overwhelmed trying to catch up with my thoughts, processes, and experiences from the past couple of weeks. Our weekly routine has been pretty much the same with a few variances. So, instead of laying out piece by piece what we have done each day I would simply like to highlight specific events that have stuck with me as well as other continuities that persist afte a month of living in the city.
Most recently is my memory of this past weekend. Thr four of us STMs were able to go on a retreat with the jovenes (young adult) group from church. We went to a retreat center outside of the city leaving Saturday morning and returning Sunday night. We've had opportunities to spend time with the jovenes over the past few weeks so it was good to be able to build on those relationships. They have been very accepting of us foreigners and patient with the language barrier. We had beautiful weather so we were able to play outside alot, which yielded good opportunities for bonding. While the weekend was relaxing and fun it has some taxing aspects about it, too, mostly having to do with the language. There were a few teaching sessions where I basically stared off in space or directed my own study time because I had no idea what was being said. And by the end of each day I was so worn out that attempting to communicate in spanish was beyond my ability.
Here raises a continuous struggle. Language has consistently been a stressful and frustrating struggle. There have been many times where I just want to give up and consider it a loss, that I won't learn the language and am tired of trying. I am learning alot in our tutoring sessions and yet it feels as if using this information in daily communication is impossible. I can't understand more than half of what people ask me. At times the struggle has nearly brought me to tears and makes me feel useless. Yet while in no way does it replace the frustration God continues to remind me that He is using me beyond my ability to communicate. He has continually reminded me that He is able to use me with my presence.
A couple that have been good friends of WMF were able to come on the retreat with their three kids. Mary is only 24 with three kids, works all day at a train station begging, and they struggle by going without in everyday life. I want to be able to give so much to them, especially Mary, even to just talk with her. But this weekend I found I was able to really connect with Mary outside of being able to talk with her- throwing a frisbee with her, putting my arm around her, or her putting her head on my shoulder or getting me a slice of pizza. And I absolutely love playing with her kids. In this God shows how He communicates through me, how He is able to create intimacy outside of words, how He is showing me my capability to love outside of speaking it. It is not always obvious, which adds to the struggle of feeling useless, but it is knowing that God is able to work outside of the norm that holds my faith in Him and what is is doing in and through me.
Outside of our daily experiences we've been learning through book studies. Right now we've been going through ¨Friendship at the Margins¨ by Chris Huertz (Exec Director of WMF) and Christine Pohl (from Asbury Seminary). The book lays out the idea of doing missions with friendships as the focus, specifically relationships with the poor. My eyes are being opened more to the potential in ministry and am looking forward to finding more insight in the topics we will read about.
Each week we also have a spiritual formation time focused on varying spiritual practices and disciplines. This past we focused on intimacy, how we experience intimacy with God through solitude and by being with others and in turn how we create intimacy with others. This next week we focus on obedience.
Peanut butter and jelly has also been a constant. While the peanut butter here is hard to find and not the peanut butter like in the states it makes for a simple and consistent meal. I've also grown quite fond of oreos.
Our team likes to play cards and it tends to be a frequent activity in our down time and get togethers. I have yet to teach the team double deck bid euchre, which is the game frequently played in my family, but they won't last long until they are exposed to the best card game ever!
Forgive me for ending abruptly but I need to end my internet session. before my next blog I will attempt to do more journaling in order to keep better trakc of my thoughts and experiences. Until then feel free to post any question you may have about my experience or Argentine culture and I will tend to those in my next blog. I am doing well and growing well. Your continued prayers are appreciated.
much love and blessings
Monday, September 20, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
a week in a glimpse
Thanks for the comments, friends. It is uplifting to see your responses to my blogs as I am unsure how well I can convey the totality of my experiences. Feel free to ask any questions and continue leaving comments.
The last day of August commences what the Argentines refer to as La Tormenta (storm) de la Santa Rosa; it has been wet and cold since Tuesday. Though it hasn't been technically storming it has been very wet, in the 40s (ferenheit), and a gray layer of clouds has been hanging over us all week long. Today the sun is finally showing for the first time in what seems like eons, a perfect gift for today's sabbath rest. I spent some time at Parque Lezama after buying some overpriced coffee for the size that I was given. I went to the coffee shop in order to sit down and write in my journal but in a misunderstanding of language I accidentally ordered to go. But it turned out for the better as I rather appreciated being outside among the city life.
The sun felt extra warm as I reflected on the previous very chilly and wet week. Of course we continued our daily ministry tasks in spite of the miserable weather. MOnday was a day with few obligations for me. We had breakfast and spiritual formation time at the Deans (Jen and Jer our servant team leaders)and came back later that evening to babysit so they could go on a date. Tuesday began with our Spanish tutoring, still mostly review for me but good nonetheless. Later Matt (fellow STM) and I helped with Apoyo Escolar- tutoring at the church for local kids. The girl I worked with was working on English, score! I have been unsure how helpful I would be with working on school work with the kids but they are surprisingly patient with the language barrier and love our presence. After tutoring the 4 of us STMs along with Jer went to Retiro with hot chocolate and ham sandwiches. The sandwiches were consumed in minutes and cups were constantly being refilled with the rich and very sweet chocolaty goodness. I spent most of my time and energy playing with the toddlers. They sat on my lap, pushing for a spot, and crawling on me like a jungle gym, their dirt covered hands grabbing and sometimes clawing at me. Despite their grungy appearance I loved being able to kiss on them and tromp around the station as one clung to my back laughing, fearless, and greedy to do it again. Love.
On Wednesday we walked in the cold to the Deans to have lunch with the now full WMF Argentina staff (we met David who returned from the States only the day before). From there we went to Retiro to see our friends. We met or rather encountered new faces of Retiro dwellers. We shared Mate, played with the kids of course, Matt took a turn at selling newspapers ("Voluntar 'La Razon'!"), and played hacky sack and tanto en la media (monkey in the middle).
Thursday was a very interesting day. Again cold and wet, so we assumed that our plans to ride bikes to a nearby ecological reserve park was canceled. But Jer showed up to the church in an attempt to convince us to go, "it's not so bad!", he says. His enthusiam was contagious. I felt as if my brother-in-law Danny was talking me into some crazy idea of his.
As we prepared the bikes, ourselves, and the Deans' three kids I wasn't totally convinced that this wasn't a crazy idea. But I'm only in B.A once (maybe) I told myself. Though it wasn't raining before we left or course it started as we began our ride. We rode to the park, which was closed due to the weather, in the rain, stopped for lunch (attempting to dry a little and warm up with little success), and rode back to the Deans in the rain. I was very wet and cold (wearing enough layers and a rain jacket of Jen's on top but a pair of jeans and running shoes on the bottom). I told myself that later when I was dry and warm I would look back and appreciate the expereince. And it's true. It was an unforgetable experience and I have to say one that caused me to admire the Deans all the more (you guys are crazy awesome!) In my attempt to warm up before going to Baja Flores for our English-teaching session that night, once back at the church I drained three cups of coffe and read by the heater in the Comedor (dining room).
I had been anxiously and nervously awaiting our first English-teaching session to some of the kids in the villa in Baja Flores (referred to in my previous blog). Not knowing the english levels of the kids or how to "teach" in broken spanish we had no idea how to prepare for our first session. But it ended being a laid back time where we got to know names, introduce ourselves, and do some basic pronunciation work with the lyrics to a hymn they are learning. Now we have somewhat of an idea of the structure of the time and how to go about future activities.
Friday we had Spanish tutoring again and then Matt and I went to Retiro later in the afternoon. It's still difficult being unable to understand or communicate without needing translation which is why I tend to gravitate towards the younger kids who urge me to color with them or enjoy sitting on my lap. God reminds me that my failed attempts to communicate, playtime with the kids, and simply my presence is showing HIs love. As a little boy was sitting on my lap fascinated with popping bubble wrap (who doesnt enjoy that?!) I repeated to him "Jesus te ama" (Jesus loves you). If that is all I can convey, I am satisfied with that.
Later we went to the Deans for dinner and games which led into the early morning hours.
Today is the sabbath rest for us. While I am looking forward to chilling out for the rest of today, I can honestly say that I am also looking forward to another week. May God continue to reveal Himself, His simple love, His omnipresent beauty to me and through me in the week ahead. That is my prayer. Tengo que ir.
Mucho amor!
The last day of August commences what the Argentines refer to as La Tormenta (storm) de la Santa Rosa; it has been wet and cold since Tuesday. Though it hasn't been technically storming it has been very wet, in the 40s (ferenheit), and a gray layer of clouds has been hanging over us all week long. Today the sun is finally showing for the first time in what seems like eons, a perfect gift for today's sabbath rest. I spent some time at Parque Lezama after buying some overpriced coffee for the size that I was given. I went to the coffee shop in order to sit down and write in my journal but in a misunderstanding of language I accidentally ordered to go. But it turned out for the better as I rather appreciated being outside among the city life.
The sun felt extra warm as I reflected on the previous very chilly and wet week. Of course we continued our daily ministry tasks in spite of the miserable weather. MOnday was a day with few obligations for me. We had breakfast and spiritual formation time at the Deans (Jen and Jer our servant team leaders)and came back later that evening to babysit so they could go on a date. Tuesday began with our Spanish tutoring, still mostly review for me but good nonetheless. Later Matt (fellow STM) and I helped with Apoyo Escolar- tutoring at the church for local kids. The girl I worked with was working on English, score! I have been unsure how helpful I would be with working on school work with the kids but they are surprisingly patient with the language barrier and love our presence. After tutoring the 4 of us STMs along with Jer went to Retiro with hot chocolate and ham sandwiches. The sandwiches were consumed in minutes and cups were constantly being refilled with the rich and very sweet chocolaty goodness. I spent most of my time and energy playing with the toddlers. They sat on my lap, pushing for a spot, and crawling on me like a jungle gym, their dirt covered hands grabbing and sometimes clawing at me. Despite their grungy appearance I loved being able to kiss on them and tromp around the station as one clung to my back laughing, fearless, and greedy to do it again. Love.
On Wednesday we walked in the cold to the Deans to have lunch with the now full WMF Argentina staff (we met David who returned from the States only the day before). From there we went to Retiro to see our friends. We met or rather encountered new faces of Retiro dwellers. We shared Mate, played with the kids of course, Matt took a turn at selling newspapers ("Voluntar 'La Razon'!"), and played hacky sack and tanto en la media (monkey in the middle).
Thursday was a very interesting day. Again cold and wet, so we assumed that our plans to ride bikes to a nearby ecological reserve park was canceled. But Jer showed up to the church in an attempt to convince us to go, "it's not so bad!", he says. His enthusiam was contagious. I felt as if my brother-in-law Danny was talking me into some crazy idea of his.
As we prepared the bikes, ourselves, and the Deans' three kids I wasn't totally convinced that this wasn't a crazy idea. But I'm only in B.A once (maybe) I told myself. Though it wasn't raining before we left or course it started as we began our ride. We rode to the park, which was closed due to the weather, in the rain, stopped for lunch (attempting to dry a little and warm up with little success), and rode back to the Deans in the rain. I was very wet and cold (wearing enough layers and a rain jacket of Jen's on top but a pair of jeans and running shoes on the bottom). I told myself that later when I was dry and warm I would look back and appreciate the expereince. And it's true. It was an unforgetable experience and I have to say one that caused me to admire the Deans all the more (you guys are crazy awesome!) In my attempt to warm up before going to Baja Flores for our English-teaching session that night, once back at the church I drained three cups of coffe and read by the heater in the Comedor (dining room).
I had been anxiously and nervously awaiting our first English-teaching session to some of the kids in the villa in Baja Flores (referred to in my previous blog). Not knowing the english levels of the kids or how to "teach" in broken spanish we had no idea how to prepare for our first session. But it ended being a laid back time where we got to know names, introduce ourselves, and do some basic pronunciation work with the lyrics to a hymn they are learning. Now we have somewhat of an idea of the structure of the time and how to go about future activities.
Friday we had Spanish tutoring again and then Matt and I went to Retiro later in the afternoon. It's still difficult being unable to understand or communicate without needing translation which is why I tend to gravitate towards the younger kids who urge me to color with them or enjoy sitting on my lap. God reminds me that my failed attempts to communicate, playtime with the kids, and simply my presence is showing HIs love. As a little boy was sitting on my lap fascinated with popping bubble wrap (who doesnt enjoy that?!) I repeated to him "Jesus te ama" (Jesus loves you). If that is all I can convey, I am satisfied with that.
Later we went to the Deans for dinner and games which led into the early morning hours.
Today is the sabbath rest for us. While I am looking forward to chilling out for the rest of today, I can honestly say that I am also looking forward to another week. May God continue to reveal Himself, His simple love, His omnipresent beauty to me and through me in the week ahead. That is my prayer. Tengo que ir.
Mucho amor!
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