Of Moldy Clothing and Burning Roads

So last week was my first week back in Mendoza, and it was definitely an interesting one!

Well, it rained a few times, and our room has serious leakage problems because of the windows, so we ended up with a whole bunch of wet, and mildewy clothing, which was sweet because I had to send them away to get washed so they don't get wrecked, but the best part is that I have no money to pay for it, so yay!

Then, Bekah and I had ourselves quite the adventure going back to the base from town last Thursday night. Since we live in the most dangerous area of the city, one of the ladies told us we should take a taxi because it was dark already. But being the poor missionaries that we are, we took the bus becuase it's expensive to take a taxi. So, we take the bus and a good twenty-five minutes walk before our stop, the police pull over the bus and mention something to the bus driver. A few minutes later, we turn a small corner to see a large mob of people and the road covered in bonfires.. Apparently they were protesting the bus, and we couldn't drive through, so we all had to get out and walk through the hord of people asking for money, around the fires and past the prison at night in the most dangerous area of the city. In fact, a good half of the road doesn't have lights, so it was quite the experience, that's for sure. That being said, God really protected us.

Friday was the fifteenth birthday party of the director's niece (whose family lives at the base). Here, the fifteenth birthday is huge! It's apparently considered the transition from childhood to womanhood, so it was massive! We had a Hawaiian pool party, which we were preparing for for the whole week before, But on Friday, we got to dress up and swim and just hang out, which was a blast.

My time here so far has been very hard, to be honest. I find that I'm missing home a lot, and a lot of frustrations keep surfacing. I talked to my discipler about the decision, and she's praying about it with me. Bu tot be honest, I just feel really overwhelmed and confused and freaked out and burdened by it. I don't know.

Algunas Pensamientos en la Vida Misionera

Okay, so sitting at this here table, I've had lots of time to think (and be on the internet as y'all have probably noticed). Anyway, here are some of the conclusions that I've come to:

1. I am tired.
2. I miss home a lot.
3. I feel forgotten. It took a certain friend four months to tell me that he's engaged... after I sent him an e-mail, he told me... in a mass e-mail. But I hate being out of the loop and not being able to hang out with you guys and I hate that everytime I open my e-mail it's basically all junk mail.
4. I have no money and am completely freaked out about coming back here in June.
5. I miss hockey. (had to throw that one in)
6. I miss my roommates.

Okay, I guess that was more of a rant than anything, but it was nice to get it out...

Of Tiled Sidewalks and Other Such Things

Walking through downtown Cordoba this evening got me thinking on the topic of tile sidewalks. Who came up with the idea? Why couldn’t they just pick out just one style instead of a little of everything? Upon further pondering, I came to the conclusion that it’s one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard, as it was raining (as it often does in Cordoba), and myself, wearing flip-flops, was unable to walk without the help of my friend as the wet tile became more slippery than any ice I’ve ever been on. I mean, if they insist on tiling the sidewalk, couldn’t they at least pick a textured tile so that, when wet, it’s still possible to get traction? Geez people, let’s think this through again please!

But now, speaking seriously…

Could you guys pray for me? I got a bank account update e-mail today, and subtracting money for room and board, bus tickets and such, I have about 10 dollars to buy all the groceries I’m going to need for the next two months or so. So, I may be starting a rather lengthy, involuntary fast soon if God doesn’t do some massive miracle. As if it isn’t bad enough to have to wonder if I’ll have enough money for, you know, food, while I was home for Christmas, the base switched the mattress on my bed so one of the DTS students could use it and, in return, I received what is without a doubt the crappiest mattress of all time! Guys, we’re talking so crappy that I was more comfortable sleeping on my friend’s cement floor with nothing but a sleeping bag.

As well, I have a lot of massive decisions regarding the future coming up. I was asked by a friend who's starting a new YWAM base here in Cordoba to come with them and work at the base here, and I'm just not sure. I'd really appreciate if you could pray for clarity for me.

Anyway, I’d appreciate your prayers and love to hear from you guys.

Okay, here I am back in Argentina!

Okay, so I just got back into the country after surprising my family for Christmas. After a 3 day trip, I got to Mendoza on Wednesday morning... and before I could even unpack, I found myself back cleaning the pool (for like, the bazillionth time in the last few months - ugh!) Anyway, the next morning, the director of the base asks me to go to Cordoba (a province that's a 10 hour bus ride away) that very night... So I hopped right back on a bus and here I am in Cordoba, at a conference promoting YWAM Mendoza... which means I get to sit at a table for 12 or more hours per day. Thank God for wireless internet networks!

Being home for Christmas was really a huge blessing, and even though I basically have no money at all, I don't regret it at all. It was so awesome to surprise everyone and hang out with my family and friends. It was so hard to come back, even though it's only a few more months before I get home again!!

PS- Bekah and Shelly... I miss you lovely ladies!