When I came home from our day out, my madre told me that Belen (my host sister) was at a church, but it sounded weird. From what I could somewhat understand it sounded like a church that incorporates a lot of religions, so I'm going to ask Bele more about it or at least get the name to find out what it is.
Yesterday was our surprise party for Ashley's birthday- it was great. Her madre had all of her family come over (including her adorable grandson who we all want to take home) and six of us including Ashley. Its incredible to me how readily the people Ive met in Argentina open up their homes to others and are truly genuine in their hospitality. Birthdays are pretty much the same in Argentina as they are in the US, except for the cake: the middle of the cake is saved for the birthday girl/boy bc it is the heart of the cake and they get to make a wish on it before they eat it.
After the party was over, I went downtown to get cash for paragliding today and decided to kill some time down there. After going to Dun-ken (really great bakery/cafe), I was walking around the Plaza de la Independencia looking at the artisan's craft tables they have set up on weekends when I heard some girls speaking English near me. I asked one where she was from and it turned out they were all here from Idaho on a missions trip with their church and they were all college-age. We started talking and I hung out with them for about an hour. We talked about the work theyve been doing here and how they were supposed to have gotten together with some people from YWAM (Youth With a Mission) earlier today, but it didnt work out.
After hanging out with that group, I headed to church with Ashley and Sarah. Sarah doesnt normally go to church so Im really glad she went. Ive never worshipped in a different language and it was such an amazing experience. There were two missionaries who were visiting the church and they guy who spoke only knew English so we got to hear his message in both Spanish and English. Before his message though, I really felt God telling me that my time in Latin America is not over after this trip and I'll be back down here. I dont know when, I dont know in what capacity or how long or what country, but I can't deny that was what God was calling me to last night, especially since I first heard that call in summer of 07.
When church was over, we talked with another girl there who was from the states. She works with YWAM here and actually knew the group that I had hung out with earlier in the day. She talked with us about some opportunities to serve with YWAM while we're here, and if we dont have stuff planned with school, Ashley and I are definitely going.
And today, Im going PARAGLIDING. I know. who am I? My biggest fear is falling. I'm excited tho and Im sure its going to be great.
The next three weeks I would really appreciate prayers for the following
- That I not waste my time with my host family
- That I get over my embarrassment of lack of knowledge of Spanish and try harder to communicate with my family.
- That in the midst of being served so much here I really look for opportunities to serve others as well. Not only Mendocinos, but in my Baylor group as well.
- Continued good health!
