City Love
“Blessed are those who dwell in your house, eversinging your praise! Selah” ((Psalm 84:4))
Blessing number one: permission to go to the States!
A couple weeks ago I was blessed with the opportunity to visit the States for a wedding of a great friend of mine. I had planned and prepared for weeks and the time had finally arrived for me to hop in a taxi and head to the Ezeiza International Airport. I called ahead the preceding day for a remis, a taxi that is ideal for traveling longer distances because they charge based on distance, not on time. The remis was scheduled to pick me up from my apartment at 7 and shuttle me to Ezeiza. In my experience if there is one thing I could count on to be on time in Argentina (or so I thought), it was the remis companies. However, I anxiously watched the minutes go by… 7:00, 7:05, 7:15, 7:20…. No remis. I called the company and they informed me that the driver was unreachable and that because of traffic they would not be able to send another with sufficient time. Therefore, my best bet would be to grab a taxi off the street as soon as possible and pray that it didn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Blessing number two: remis doesn’t show up.
In my frustration, my roommates and I hurriedly took my suitcases down the elevator and onto the street. I hailed the first available cab, unaware of what would unfold in the next hour. The chauffer was affable and helpful, grabbing my bags and placing them in the trunk. I said my “see you later”s, shut the door, and took a deep breath. At last, I was on my way! I quickly thanked the driver for his willingness to make the long drive to the airport and explained how my remis failed to show up. He was very understanding and asked me how much the remis was charging for my trip. “100 pesos más tarifa”, I responded (about 25 dollars plus tolls). The chauffer, whom I would later come to know as Horacio, smiled and out of compassion, agreed to drive me for the same rate.
Blessing number three: generous taxi driver.
Now in order to understand what happened next, I’ll first need to digress. A few weeks prior to my trip I had heard a compelling story about the late Bill Bright, founder and former president of Campus Crusade for Christ. Bright was truly a man of God with a huge heart for the Gospel. He was also, however, a busy man. With trips and conferences all over the world, one could imagine his agenda was pretty jam-packed. However, there was one thing that made Bill Bright different than the average businessman. His business was the Kingdom of God and his product was the Gospel. No matter where He went or whom He spoke with, Bright was careful “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (1 Tim 6:18, emphasis added). The last line of this verse is perhaps what most characterized the ministry of Bill Bright; he was always willing to share the transforming power of the Gospel.
This is where my story comes into play. A friend of a friend of a friend once worked as Bill Bright’s personal assistant. Working this closely with Bright, his assistant attested strongly to his faith. He recounted that whenever they would travel overseas, the first thing Bright would do was share the Gospel with the taxi driver, many times even having to rely on a translator. His overflowing passion for the message of Christ made it virtually impossible for him to NOT share.
Which brings me back to Horacio. After his generous offer, my heart had calmed down from its previous frustrated and anxious state, and I began to engage in small talk. As I recognized the Lord’s blessing of a friendly and generous taxi driver, I remembered the faith and passion of Bill Bright.
Blessing number four: remembering Bill Bright’s legacy.
Remembering his faith, I was compelled to share with Horacio. Because I work for a Christian organization, it’s not always difficult to strike up spiritual conversations. Our small talk had quickly reached a deeper level as I explained what my job in Argentina entails. I explained that I spend the majority of my time on the university talking with the students about what it means to have a relationship with God. When I had finished unfolding my life in Buenos Aires, I could tell Horacio was engrossed in the conversation, more so than the normal response. I took a deep breath and, being thrust forward by the Holy Spirit, asked, “Y vos? Qué crees?”- What about you? What do you believe?
Blessing number five: out-of-character, God given, boldness
Horacio didn’t even blink at my question. He didn’t feel awkward talking about spiritual things, but rather, seemed comforted by the opportunity to express openly who He was and what He believed. Horacio explained that he was born into a Jewish family (not a surprising fact- B.A. has the 3rd largest Jewish population in the world), but was not a practicing Jew and that his wife was Catholic. He didn’t seemed to have any truly formed beliefs other than the fact that He believed God existed. Horacio opened up about his desire to know God, but couldn’t seem to overcome his doubts. Finding a pause in the conversation, I briefly explained a little of my own journey in discovering God and how more than believing in a religion, I had attained the most valuable thing in my life: a personal relationship with Christ.
Horacio and I tn hebegan to talk about lighter subjects, and I was content with the conversation the Lord had provided. Little did I know… God had not finished working.
Over the last few minutes, Horacio had been processing everything I had said and interrupted our small talk to ask, “How did you achieve this relationship with God?” Shocked but excited, I carefully went through the Gospel with Him. I used my knowledge of the four spiritual laws, and my own experience to expound on what it means to truly follow Christ. I started by describing God- a loving Father, infinite creator of the Universe, personal, yet perfect, who has a plan for each and every one of us. Then, in comparison to God, described who we are- imperfect, broken, and lost individuals, desperate to fill our emptiness with something, anything, that will satisfy our longings. I explained the broken relationship between God and mankind because of our sinfulness and that only one person, one sacrifice, could reconcile this brokenness: Jesus Christ. I told Horacio that Christ lived a perfect life, and then died for each of us, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, and in three days, resurrected so that we might have eternal life with Him. I explained how Christ fills the void in each of us and that everything else only lasts for a season, but that Christ’s satisfaction is eternal. I explained to him that despite my doubts and unanswered questions, I had made a personal decision, by faith, to follow Christ, and that He had changed my life forever. Horacio then asked me if I believe that God answers my prayers. I didn’t hesitate to say yes, smiling at the irony of his question in that He, in fact, was an answer to prayer. I told Horacio that God often answers us, we just aren’t always paying attention, or that maybe He answers us in a way we might not expect.
Blessing number six: opportunity to share the Gospel
Horacio was left speechless at the beauty of the Gospel. We marveled at the greatness of God, but again, the subject changed momentarily. “The traffic isn’t as bad as we thought it would be tonight,” Horatio commented. “See, God does answer prayers,” I responded with a grin. Horatio smiled back, pondering the truthfulness of the statement.
Recently I finished reading a book called “The Case for Faith”, by Lee Strobel, a former journalist and a now well-known Christian apologist. The book breaks down 8 major oppositions to the Christian faith and Strobel’s own discovery of truth. I recommended the book to Horacio, knowing that it was available in Spanish as well. He was so interested in obtaining a copy that when I told him I had one in the apartment, he whipped out his business card and told me to call him as soon as I returned from the States.
Blessing number seven: opportunity for follow-up
We exchanged contact information, and I strategically wrote mine on the back of a 4 laws booklet I had placed in my backpack only 30 minutes before, making a joke with my roommates that I was “pulling a Bill Bright”.
Blessing number eight: 4 laws booklet in my backpack
As we neared the airport, Horacio told me that just that morning his wife made a comment that He really needed to find a relationship with God. Horacio and I both agreed that our encounter had not been by coincidence. We said our goodbyes and I made my way to my gate with a full heart and an increase of faith. I’m so glad God’s plans are better than mine.
…
Today, I met up with Horacio and gave him a copy of “The Case for Faith”. He mentioned that He wanted to bring his family to my church. I have no doubt that God is moving in BIG ways in his life and I am anxious to see how the Lord speaks to Him through the book. Please be praying for his search for truth.
“Nothing can bring you happiness but yourself.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
We live in a relativist world. A world where, “what’s good for you is good for you, and what good’s for me is good for me” is the prevailing mentality of our society. Greek philosopher, Protagoras defines his beliefs as, “The way things appear to me, in that way they exist for me; and the way things appears to you, in that way they exist for you.” Basically all he’s saying is that if I believe the apple is green, then the apple is green. But, if you perceive the apple to be red, then the apple is red. There is no wrong or right, good or bad- only perception.
But, we all know that the apple can only be green or red. I know I’ve used a simple example, and you may be thinking that an apple can hardly compare to the complexities of religion, philosophy, or ethics,… but bear with me while I explain.
My job with Campus Crusade mainly consists of surveying university students on the Economics campus of one of the most prestigious schools in South America: the University of Buenos Aires. Although a historically Catholic culture, the majority of the answers are all in some way influenced by relative reasoning. Ethical Relativism is defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica as “the doctrine that there are no absolute truths in ethics and that what is morally right or wrong varies from person to person or from society to society”.
In my opinion, this is, by definition, illogical reasoning. The first reason I see for this, and probably the most conclusive, is that the pure definition of relativism is contradictory. To say that there is no absolute truth is imposing the absolute truth that there is no such thing. If a relativist denies the teachings of Christianity which declare that there is only one way, truth, and life, by saying that it is merely ONE OF MANY ways, then both simply cannot be true. The logic is as follows: If Relativism is true, therefore Christianity cannot be true. If Christianity cannot be true, there must be some standard of what is true and what is false, i.e., an absolute truth. If an absolute truth exists, relativism cannot be true.
I’ve often used this relevant illustration with students to further explain the breakdown of relativism. Suppose the student is on their way to campus in the crowded subway station when someone suddenly pushes past them, swiftly stealing their wallet. In Buenos Aires, it’s a common occurrence, unfortunately, to witness and/or experience first-hand this type of thievery, and I believe everyone, including the thief, knows that this is a crime. But a crime in its nature (an action or omission that constitutes an offense) declares that an offense has been made against a certain standard of right and wrong. The emotions we feel as humans link us together in our desire for justice. The crime wouldn’t just be wrong in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but in all nations among all peoples. But, if there is no right or wrong, how can there be injustice? If this standard is relative, why do police forces exist to maintain a “right” society? If ethics are relative, why do all human beings, regardless of race, nationality, or culture, know it is wrong to lie, murder, and steal?
As much toe-stepping I would save from believing in relativism, is it really even logical? Personally, I’d much rather step on a few toes in order to get to the uncomfortable truth, than continue living in a therapeutic bed of lies. Absolute truth may not be comfortable, but it is logical.
Even John Mayer, one of my favorite artists although far from being a moral teacher, admits:
“Everyone believes, from emptiness to everything.” (“Belief”, Continuum)
You know those people in your life that are just AWESOME? I have some friends that give the rest of the world a lot to live up to- they’re caring, wise, gentle, hilarious, and above all things, passionately in love with the Lord.
Well, before I left for Argentina, one of these great girlfriends of mine gave me a journal with some questions to ponder during my year on STINT. Throughout the past 7 months, I’ve slowly answered a few of them.. but I thought it might be fun to share :)
1. In what ways do you want God to grow you over the course of this year?
(Answer from 9/15/10) I think the biggest way I want God to grow me is in my humility and overall need for Him. I’m praying that the Lord will break me of my pride- how I think I’m better than others, that my desires come first, and just my overall obsession with myself. I want to learn to love others more deeply and more than myself! I also want to grow in my daily time spent with the Lord. I want to read more Scripture and learn how to make my time with the Lord fruitful.
2. In what areas of your life are you trusting God?
(Answer from 10/19/10) think STINT so far has been a time of truly trusting God with EVERYTHING. You don’t fully realize how reliant on yourself, friends, family, and so many other things you are until they’re all stripped away. Everyday I feel a little out of place. I’m trying to trust the Lord in my identity, my worth, and my strength. My pride is torn down a little more each day as I struggle like a 3 yr. old to produce coherent sentences. I don’t want to find my value in how well I speak Spanish. My value is in Christ, because He values me. Easier said than done. I need Him so much. Praise Him for never abandoning me.
3. Do you have any fears or unbelief that have become evident in your life?
(Answer from 10/19/10) Wow. Everyday. This ties in so well with the other question. I doubt everyday that God can use me. As if it has to do with what I have to offer… I just want to believe that He will and see Him do it! I think I’m also realizing that I fear not loving God enough. Like, if I’m not doing this, this, and this.. I don’t really love Him. But, I know that this isn’t from the Lord. I know Satan comes in and tries to distract from what god is doing in me. I know that I love the Lord. I know that I need to grow in that love, but it isn’t dependent on what I do or don’t do. Just on the condition of my heart.
4. What was your first impression upon arriving in Argentina?
(Answer from mid-November sometime) Honest first impression- it was dirty. I think one of the first things I noticed was the brokenness. there was trash all over the streets, people everywhere, and overall just really overwhelming.
… (Let me add a little..) I don’t think what struck me was just the physical filth of the city, and I’m not saying big cities in the States are any better… if anything probably worse, but I think it was just realizing how many people live in this city and how many are just utterly LOST. I couldn’t believe that I was really in Argentina. And that God wanted to use ME to bring the news of Salvation here. What a great God I serve!
5. What are you having the hardest time adjusting to?
(Answer from mid-November) Good Question now that I’ve been here for a little over 2 1/2 months. Now that I’m starting to have a little more of a life here, living in an apartment, making friends, etc, it has definitely been getting easier to adjust. One of the hardest adjustments has been how long everything takes- spending so much time to run errands is frustrating. Also just figuring out ministry here has been difficult. Trying to find my place and learning how things work.
6. How are your personal times with God?
Looking back at the first question and thinking about how I wanted the Lord to grow me in this area, I think it’s been cool to see Him answer that prayer. I definitely feel like I’ve learned to connect with the Lord in different ways and on a more consistent basis. It’s a constant process, and a constant struggle, but I’m so thankful for my “Day with the Lord”, once a month, where I can really re-examine my times with Him and the areas I want to grow in.
7. How would you describe your team dynamic?
Our team is AWESOME. 4 girls and 3 guys… we’re basically the FRIENDS series, plus one… and without all the relationship drama. I am constantly reminded that they are the Lord’s provision for me here and I couldn’t ask for a more unique, special group of people to spend my time with. My 3 roommates, Cari, Jessica, and Tiffany are all very different, but beautiful girls. Jessica is the team leader, the hard-worker, but yet also the crazy one, breaking out her Nacho Libre mask whenever the moment calls for it. She also has an incredible heart for prayer that I think inspires us all to fall on our knees more. Cari is the relational one. She loves being with people and lives in the moment. You can count on her to be 100% present, not just with physical presence, but really engaged in what’s happening around her. I’ve learned a lot from how she takes advantage of every opportunity to be with people and KNOW people. Tiffany is silent, but deadly :). She’s often really quiet, but once you get to know her… the spice comes out! She’s got the biggest heart and I learn a lot from her gentle spirit and how she always puts others needs before her own.
As far as the boys… John Mark is the clown. 90% of our conversations revolve around making fun of each other… but the 10% that isn’t is always really challenging and encouraging. He’s definitely an honest, inspiring person to have around and I’m so appreciative of the work He’s doing here. Ben is the talkative one. He can talk to anyone, at anytime, in any place. He has a great memory, not only for random facts, but also for what people tell Him. As much as He talks, I also feel like He listens. He’s taught me how to be a better conversationalist, not just with small talk, but engaging in conversations and really getting to know people better. Garrett is the intellectual. Although convinced his twin sister is the smarter one, He’s one of the smartest people I met… that’s also really normal. He loves challenging him in different areas, and I’ve learned to take more risks and challenge myself more just by watching Him grow.
Enough questions for now… I’ll finish the other half another time :)
It’s pretty crazy how the Lord works.
Most of you know that my STINT year consists of 14 months total. I arrived in Buenos Aires last September and will continue my ministry here until this coming November. But, what you may not know is that each STINTer has to decide by April 1st if they would like to return for another year (well, 10 months to be specific). If we do decide to return to Buenos Aires, we’ll spend two months in the States until New Year’s, and then come back to Argentina in January of 2012.
Making this decision hasn’t been any easy one. I voiced my thoughts to most of my closest friends and my parents, but all I can say is it’s pretty crazy how the Lord works.
Before I tell you my decision, I need to say, the past 6 months of my life have been some of the most rewarding times I’ve ever had. I’ve been able to experience the Lord in really incredible ways and see Him changing lives, literally on a daily basis. Each day, my heart is becoming more and more intertwined with the culture here and I know that no matter where God might take me, Argentina will always be a part of me.
After praying about this decision and talking it out with the people around me, I finally felt like I had made up my mind.
I am not planning on re-STINTing.
I think the weight of that sentence is still sinking in. I love being here so much, but I believe the Lord is just calling me in a different direction.
Those of you who know me also know that I have been involved in ministry since I was about 15 years old. I started leading small groups my sophomore year of high school, planning big events by the time I graduated, and was later part of Crusade’s “Student Staff” Team at FSU. That being said, I think I just need a break. I never thought I would feel that way, but maybe that means it has to be from the Lord.
Don’t get me wrong… there’s plenty of ministry to be done outside of the church and outside of Christian organizations, and I don’t plan on neglecting the call to “Go and make disciples”. Nor do I plan on neglecting my involvement in the church or Crusade, but my role will look a lot differently. All I really know is that I believe He’s calling me to “Go” somewhere new. I know that Argentina is part of the great adventure that the Lord is leading me on, and I’m so blessed to have this opportunity… and am looking forward to what God wants to do in the next 7 months here!! I feel really at peace about my decision, although it breaks my heart to think about leaving.
Now, you’re probably asking… what next?
Great question…
Although I don’t have any solid plans at the moment, I have been tossing around ideas of returning to school for a master’s. To my own surprise, I’ve found a lot of joy in writing these blogs and newsletters and have been exploring the idea of pursuing a career in journalism or some other form of written communication. As of now, it’s nothing more than an idea, but it’s definitely something to be praying about.
Above all things, I want the Lord to be glorified in my life and for His will to be done. I believe He has given me desires and passions that I shouldn’t neglect to pursue, but ultimately, I want His plans to be my plans, and go wherever He’s leading.
Thanks to all of you for being a source of truth, reminding me to hold onto the Lord’s promises, as well as a source of encouragement- to believe in myself and the gifts that the Lord has given me. Please continue to pray for me and for clarity as I begin to move in a new direction.
((Also, if you’re wondering about the photo, it’s from a place called Colonia in Uruguay. I felt it appropriate considering the Lord is closing one door and I’m waiting for Him to open new ones!))
One beautiful night this past summer my girlfriends and I were sitting outside having a drink and talking about life (basically, just like every other night last summer..). But, as we sat and talked about future plans I couldn’t help thinking that I just didn’t seem to get as excited about anything as Melissa does about Nursing, Rebecca about Literature, or Kristi about Social Justice. So, as we talked and in my frustration I vented to them: “I just don’t have a passion.” They, of course, jumped to my defense (cause they’re awesome friends!), and refused to believe that statement. We talked about my love for baking or for music. One of them even said, “Sure you do! God is your passion.” Now, I know that’s supposed to be a really honorable thing that she said and I am truly appreciative of the comment. But, as I linger on the subject a little more… I remain a little unsettled.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure that they didn’t probably intend what I’m about to write, but because I’m the queen of over-analyzation, I’m going to write it anyway. (sorry, ladies…).
I am passionate about the Lord, and I pray that it’s as apparent as my friend stated. But, it’s not a passion like baking a cake, curling up with a good book, or even winning a case against a child abuser. All of these are great things and I love that my friends are so passionate about them, but really, in comparison to our God, they’re more like hobbies. I used to think that God was just a separate category of my life. I had my school category, my friend category, my family category, my work category, and then my religion category. As I started learning more about who God is and what He has done for me, I realized that He is much to large to be put in my “religion category,” but that He transcends into all aspects of my life. I desire to be passionate about the Lord, but not just when I’m sitting in Church or Bible Study, but when I’m hanging out with my friends, when I’m sitting at my computer, or when I’m relaxing with my family. I desire to be passionate about the Lord as a teacher, a baker, a translator, a social worker, or wherever else the Lord leads me. I do desire to have a vocational passion beyond just my love for the Lord, and I’m praying that He reveals His will for my life. But for now, I’m trusting in my One Great Love.
God is not my hobby. He’s not just something I pick up when I’m bored. He’s not just that part of my life on Sundays. He IS my life. He is my hope, my peace, my comfort, my love, my joy, my righteousness, my friend.
I hope He’s yours, too.
So often I go through life anticipating my next move- nervous and anxious about whether I’m headed in the right direction, instead of taking time for deep breaths and close examinations of my soul.
One of the greatest things I learned from the Mapuche community is that they are slow to speak. Literally, to the point of frustration. It’s pretty normal to ask a question and allow 3-5 minutes of pure awkward silence before getting a response.
But in my frustration, I got to thinking… why do I speak so quickly?
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” (James 1:19)
The Mapuches just don’t rush through life. They take time to enjoy every breath. My team was placed in a Mapuche community called Aucapan, located in Northern Patagonia bordering the Andes Mountains. The views were INCREDIBLE. I’ve never experienced terrain as beautiful as this. Everyday I woke up to blue skies and mountains as far as you could see. We would walk and walk for hours in our attempt to reach homes where we could meet Mapuche families and share the Gospel with them. With each step I took, I felt like I was being led into new, exciting, and even more beautiful territory. On each side of our trail were flowers of too many varieties to count and of course, random sheep who had wandered away from their owners. But the most beautiful thing was when we stopped talking.
Silence. No car horns. No crying babies.
Needless to say, on our hour journeys, I had plenty of time to clear my head of all the bustle of the city life. Living in Buenos Aires is such an awesome experience, don’t get me wrong, but with all my time spent there I began to realize I hadn’t even taken the time to digest all that the Lord was teaching me or maybe, trying to teach me.
Living amongst the Mapuches for 15 days taught me to breath again. It taught me to stop trying to find the quick fix and just start enjoying the process. I mean this in relation to lots of things… when something breaks in my apartment and I get frustrated, when I’m in a fight with a friend, when I don’t understand X cultural difference, and especially when I find myself broken and confused in my relationship with the Lord. Life isn’t some question that’s meant to be “solved”. It’s meant to be lived.
So.. my goal for 2011… stop fixing and start living.
Well, friends, I thought it was time I did a little FAQ time, or for the non-techsaavy, “Frequently Asked Questions”. Many of you I’m sure have wondered some of the same things about my time here in Argentina, so I thought I’d answer a few of the most commonly asked questions, as well as some I just feel like throwing in for kicks…
Hope you enjoy and keep asking good questions! (Actually, There’s a link on my blog where you can ask whatever you want… pretty neat, right?)
1. What’s your favorite thing about Argentina?
Hands down, my favorite thing so far about being here is spending time with the people. The people here tirelessly pour out themselves for others. Being in the states I felt like it was a lot easier to be selfish or even isolated, but here it’s not so. The Argentines thrive off each other and their time together and it’s virtually impossible not to develop community. That’s my favorite thing.
2. What’s your least favorite thing about Argentina?
Aside from being so far away from friends and family, I really miss the organization in the States. Doing ministry is not often the easiest thing because most of the time I don’t understand what I’m supposed to do or how I’m supposed to accomplish it. I wish things were more organized, but I’ve noticed things changing in that aspect even since I got here. I don’t think there will ever be as much focus on organization here as in the States, but at least things are functioning better.. or maybe I’m just adjusting :)
3. Do you have air conditioning/heat?
I don’t have AC or heat in my apartment. But, the good thing is that our apartment is in the shade, so it hasn’t been miserably hot. And, there are really good fans in our rooms, so that’s nice. As far as heat… We have a space heater, so we should be fine throughout the winter.
4. What’s the food like in Argentina?
Probably one of the biggest adjustments for me has been this. The BEST food here are Steaks! Empanadas! and fresh fruit and veggies. They also have really good pizza… it’s different from the pizza in the States, but good. Oh man, and don’t even get me started on Choripan. There’s a sausage, called Chorizo, that you eat like a hotdog on a hoagie-type bread (“pan”), and it’s sooo delicious! Things I miss- Overall there isn’t as much variety, so I miss having all the options in the States. I have Peanut Butter with me, but I’m not looking forward to the day when my supply runs out. haha. Also, I miss Chik-fil-a and Moe’s… maybe I should stop before my mouth starts watering…
5. Do you get to come home at all?
So far I don’t have a plan to come home at all until next November. But, I definitely think time will fly by, and Skype has been such a blessing!
6. What’s the weather like?
Right now It’s warming up. It’s summer here now so the heat is starting to set in, but I’ve managed to still get by wearing jeans everyday.
7. What’s the Lord been teaching you?
SO MANY THINGS. Coming here the Lord has really humbled me and given me an even greater dependence on Him. I didn’t realize how inadequate I would feel, but I’m so grateful to know that it’s not about me and how prepared or capable I am. I definitely feel like my relationship with the Lord has flourished here. It’s so evident where He’s moving and all that He is doing. I constantly and consistently see him answering prayers. I guess recently the biggest thing I’m learning is just how God is so big. I really have just been in awe of how all powerful He is and yet how intimate He is with me. I could go on for days, but that’s a little summary..
8. How’s your Spanish? Are you fluent yet??
If there’s any question I dread answering.. this is it. haha. But, my Spanish, all glory to God, is getting better. I didn’t think this would be as big of a struggle for me as it has been, but I’m thankful for the challenge, and am excited everyday to feel like the language is becoming less and less of a barrier. I’m not fluent, and I don’t know really know how to define that anyway, but I will say I understand about 85% of conversations, but speaking is significantly more difficult.
9. What’s been the most challenging thing so far?
Probably learning a new culture and a new language. Even though I knew Spanish, the dialect/accent here is so different and I really knew nothing about Argentina before coming. It’s been such a challenge to discover how to deal with certain situations that require cultural sensitivity, but it’s also been rewarding to appreciate the differences and even learn from many of them.
10. How many people are on your team?
Right now we are 4 gringos (Americans), but there are lots more Argentines on our team. My boss is Charly, the director of Campus movements here in Buenos Aires. His boss is Marcelo, the director of all Crusade movements, not just campus, in BA. His boss is Mario, who is the national director of all things Crusade in Argentina. It’s pretty awesome to see the head honcho of Argentina on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis. Plus, there’s a lot of wisdom to be found in our sede (our office). Also, we have another staff couple here that is full time on campus at the Architecture campus- Pablo and Etel, who are two of my favorites! There are lots of students involved as well! One student, Andres, from Colombia just became the director of the Agronomy campus. Two other students, Analia and Debo, work in the office as well as on campus with us. And there are many others who consistently do surveys with us: Leo, Eve, Dario, David, Jimena, and lots of others! It’s hard to put a number on how many people actually work with us, but we are definitely blessed to have the people we have. However, we are still consistently praying for labor, but the harvest in BA is PLENTIFUL.
11. What’s the campus like there?
At the University of Buenos Aires, there are 13 different campuses spread out all over the city. The University was actually created this way on purpose. Because it is government funded, they feared the students, if concentrated in one area, would gain too much power and unite together to overthrow the government. Pretty interesting fact! Each campus is distinct. I work on the Economics campus which is basically in the heart of the city. It’s full of people, really busy, and the architecture is BEAUTIFUL. Across the street is the Medical School, where Che Guavara (an extremely famous revolutionist) went to school. Because of Che, the school is FLOODED with political propoganda. But.. on a completely different side, there’s the Agronomy, or “Ag”, campus. The campus is rural, with dogs and cats in the streets, and a vet hospital. It has a very different feel from any of the other campus and is even a nice refuge from the rest of the busy city life.
12. How is your team dynamic? Is everyone getting along?
Our STINT team has really become each other’s family here. Being the only gringos, we’ve discovered our need for each other- when cultural differences creep in and we don’t understand, we’ve found that leaning on each other often makes things a lot easier. The four of us are all very different but God has blessed us with each other, in all our strengths and weaknesses, and I’m loving the opportunity to share life with these four awesome people!
As far as team dynamic with the Argentines.. I talked about that a little earlier. Often, we don’t always understand some of the cultural differences, but I’ve learned SO SO much from the things they value and their hearts for the lost. I looove the opportunity to serve another culture with people who are a part of it.
That’s all the questions I could think of and that I’ve received but let me know if there are other things you want to know! Thanks for reading and taking an interest in my life here! :)
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I can’t even believe how blessed I am do be a part of a ministry that meets people where they’re at. God is good. All the time. Even in the depths of a cold and dark mine.
