Hopeful Thoughts


Argentina Day 7, September 11, 2009

We planned to go to “Bliss” for breakfast this morning. They serve coffee and pastries, and Kurt had brought us some of them a few days ago. However, when he arrived, he told us that his wife had suggested “Sutra” instead, as they might have more variety. So, we changed plans.

We actually didn’t remember that it was the same place we’d had dinner at the night before until we pulled up! The lovely little spot for a fancy dinner becomes a hot spot for coffee and Wi-Fi in the morning hours. We dined on toast, “media lunas” (half moon shaped rolls), fruit salad, fresh squeezed orange juice, and coffee. There was an assortment of jams as well as “dulce de leche” (caramel sauce) to go with the bread. Yummy!!!

SutraSpread SutraBack teamAtSutra

Cool tree in the lot next to Sutra that I just had to take a picture of.

Cool tree in the lot next to Sutra that I just had to take a picture of.

The larger part of the day was spent cleaning the church, finishing repairs, and generally getting the place ready for the visitors that would come that evening to hear our talk about Sunday School programs.

Demonstrating the Argentine method of mopping the floors.

Demonstrating the Argentine method of mopping the floors.

Due to a scheduling conflict when the dates for our trip changed, we had to move out of the hotel today and into Kurt and Lore’s house for one night. They had a nice little coffee service set up for us when we got there.

Coffee Bar

Coffee Bar

We also got to learn how to prepare Mate (ma-tay). Mate is a traditional tea that is made with loose leaves and served in a traditional style cup. It is sipped through a straw that has a filter on the end of it to prevent the leaves from being sucked up the straw.

HopeMates EmilyMates

Mate components.  Photo credit to Evelyn M.

Mate components. Photo credit to Evelyn M.

We had a late lunch of pizza and relaxed in their home for a few hours before going back to the church to give our talk.

About 20 people came to hear what we had to say. I think it went pretty well, but there are pieces of the puzzle that will still need to be addressed for the outside churches that came in. For example, where are they going to get simple Bible stories for their lessons? Curriculum is expensive, and it takes weeks of training, as BTCL showed me, to learn how to craft your own. We came prepared to leave story materials with the church in City Bell, so they will be in good shape.

After the workshop, Kurt and Lore served us dinner. We had the Argentine version of Shepherd’s pie. Pretty much it’s what we have in the states, except it has boiled eggs in it!

We really enjoyed spending time with the Grothes. They have a beautiful house and showed us amazing hospitality. They are doing a great work for Jesus here in this country.

Argentina Day 6, September 10, 2009

This morning was a little rough. There was a prayer meeting this morning at Kurt’s house that Evelyn and Emily went to. Ken and I were supposed to meet with Kurt and Greg at a later time while the two other ladies went back to rest. There was a miscommunication about the meeting time and I wound up missing it. Hope its OK!

In fact, the whole schedule today was a little rough. We were supposed to go to the Orphanage at noon, come back to the hotel to rest, and then go out around 5:00 to pass out flyers on the streets of City Bell to promote Kurt’s English class.

A beautiful sunny day at Hogar Betel.

A beautiful sunny day at Hogar Betel.

Here’s what wound up happening. We left the Orphanage early and planned to go back at 5:00 because many of the kids were at school during our originally planned time. Evelyn was able to share with some of the kids about Jesus, but our time was cut short.

So, we went back to the hotel and worked on planning for Friday’s presentation on Sunday School programs. When we went back, we were only able to spend one and a half hours before we needed to head downtown to pass out flyers.

BalloonMan LoveCrossBalloon LotsOfBalloons

SutraFront

For dinner, we went to what probably equates to a very high end restaurant called Sutra.

The meal was around 350 pesos for 6 people, including dessert.

The girls split a Chicken with Asparagus entree and a salad called the “Bonnie and Clyde”. I’ve also included a picture of the “Romeo and Juliet” salad that Don ordered because it was so pretty.

Chicken BonnieAndClyde Romep

The exchange rate is $1 to 3.8 pesos, so it was really less than $100 for all 6 of us to eat at this really nice place. It hits home when you realize that dessert was a fancy chocolate fondue.

FondueSign Fondue Sutra

After dinner, we returned to the hotel. Emily and I ran into our new friend Emmanuel from Nigeria who is also staying here in the hotel with his soccer team. He requested the number for the Taxi service, and for our team so that he can explore the city and get in touch with us more easily about church.

Now we are very tired and need sleep!!!

Argentina Day 4, September 8, 2009

This morning we were going to try again to go to Tina’s, but it was still raining. We decided to go ahead and at least see what needed to be done. Tina is a sweet older lady who goes to the church in City Bell, but she lives alone and her home is in need of a great deal of repair. The yard needs to be cleaned up (grass cut, weeds pulled, and trash picked up), her sink is dripping, her back door has the glass broken out of it, the roof is leaking, and probably much more. Hopefully time will allow us or some of us to help her out while we are here.

TinaRoofTinasDoorTinasGarageTinasLemonsTinasSinkTinaYard

Tina sent us all home with “belly button” oranges and a banana for Emily. She told us about the meaning of name the orange in Spanish. “belly button” is certainly more comical than the English “naval”!!!

orange

Back at the church, Kurt decided it would be fun to take group shot with our oranges.

Back at the church, Kurt decided it would be fun to take group shot with our oranges.

We left Tina’s and went back to the church to finish up some repairs and do some deep cleaning. Don got to work scraping off the remaining bits of carpet still clinging to the steps. Ken focused on repairing the windows that wouldn’t seal, and the ladies began sweeping, mopping, and scrubbing the floors and bathrooms.

All clean!

All clean!

After the cleaning, Ken and the ladies went to Wal-Mart to look for supplies for the children’s classroom. They had purchased a bed that may potentially be used for short term missionaries to sleep on while they stay, but in between will be a place for the kids to use as a couch. We shopped for a sheet set and pillows to make it comfy and inviting. Ken was looking for a table, but still hasn’t found what he’s looking for.

couch

Wal-Mart in Argentina looks the same as in the U.S., but it is not. They carry many things that the US version does not, and there are many things that they are lacking. Mattresses are plentiful, but blankets are not. The have a HUGE selection of mate’, but not much coffee. The cashiers sit down while checking out purchases. We didn’t get to look at the whole place, because it’s still really big!

We had lunch at the church and ordered empanadas. They are delivered in boxes like those that contain pizza in the US. They are yummy! The food has been one of the great things about Argentina!

We went back to the Hogar Betel that evening to work more with the kids. We tried to teach a lesson on Heaven from the CEF materials to about 11 kids, but they were totally wired. They have no manners and were running all over the place We tried to play a game with balloons and we needed to blow them up first. As soon as the kids saw the balloons, they swarmed the table. We needed 12 balloons for the game. We started with 12, but by the time Emily and I were able to get them “all” blown up, 3 of them had been stolen. The kids do not understand the word “No”. The Hogar is a Christian place, but they do not have the staff or the volunteers to give these kids the structure they need. I have taught difficult kids, but I have to say this was the HARDEST teaching situation I have even been in.

We served the kids a snack of Tang and cookies and we noticed that the kids were taking seconds on the snack and stuffing cookies in their pockets. Evelyn observed that they would then trade with each other for other things (including the jump ropes that we had left with them the day before). They barter with anything they can get there hands on. These kids know the Bible, but they don’t know Jesus. They need people that can work with them more than 3 days in the month of September of 2009.

We finished the day with dinner at the “Club Banco Provincia,” the hotel that we are staying at. I had Gnonnchi with a beef and tomato sauce and sprinkles of cheese. Pretty tasty!!

Argentina Day 3, September 7, 2009

We were awakened at 6:00 AM by the sound of singing “Because He Lives” in the lounge. I think we all assumed that it was some kind of Bible study. We later found out they were Nigerians here to train and try out for soccer teams. As much as I approved of their early morning devotional time, I was glad I packed my ear plugs!

Today we were supposed to go help a lady named Tina to clean up her house. She is a single lady in the church and there is a lot that needs to be done to her yard.

However, it rained.

So we ended up working on cleaning and repairs at the church.

The guys pulled up old, dirty carpet from the stairway leading up to the church. They also worked on repairing the windows which would not close all the way.

The girls worked on clearing out and cleaning a room which will soon be expanded to provide a nursery space for the babies in the church. After that, they worked on picking up the trash around the church building. Littering seems to be a real problem. Much of the trash was stuck underneath plants because it had been there for so long.

Evelyn and Josias on Cleaning day.

Evelyn and Josias on Cleaning day.

These stairs were covered with old carpet that the guys had to remove.  The carpet was full of fine dust, so you can imagine the mess it made to clean it up!

These stairs were covered with old carpet that the guys had to remove. The carpet was full of fine dust, so you can imagine the mess it made to clean it up!

We had lunch a a nicer restaurant. I ordered a “hamburguesa completa” which means “hamburger with everything”. It was a small beef patty with lettuce, tomato, roasted red peppers, ham, and a fried egg. It was pretty good! I also had a “Coca Cola light” which was served in a glass bottle. I had to then pour it into a glass to drink it, as it is considered impolite to drink directly from bottles or cans in this culture. I’ve included a picture of Don with his coffee. Notice the pretty little serving piece for the cream and cocoa.

hamburgerWthEgg eveAndJosi2 FancyCoffee

After lunch, we went back to the hotel for a short 1 hour Siesta. We then went to the Hogar Betel to visit with the children. We taught our Bible story from Sunday and played Soccer and Jumped Rope with them. They were so happy to see us.

FutbolWithOrphans

HappyKidwithJumpRope MeAndJose Milagros

Finally, we went to have “cafe y Helados” (coffee and Ice cream). I tried the Mento Granazido (mint chocolate chip). It was the best mint chocolate chip ice cream I have ever had. If you’ve ever tried eating two mints in a row and noticed that the second one never tastes as good, that will give you an idea of what it was like to eat this ice cream.

Cafe Con Leche (Coffee with Milk)

Cafe Con Leche (Coffee with Milk)

Amazing Mint Ice Cream

Amazing Mint Ice Cream

Our whole team out for coffee and ice cream.

Our whole team out for coffee and ice cream.

Finally, we returned to our hotel at the early hour of 8:30. This is the earliest we have been able to turn in so far and most likely the last time we will be able to this early until the team heads home next Tuesday.

Tomorrow we are going to try again to help out Tina, but it all depends on the weather!

One more note … I am finding that I understand and am able to speak more and more Spanish. Today, when people asked me questions, there were many times when the first response that came to mind was in Spanish!! This is a skill I really want to work on and I am enjoying the opportunity God has given me to practice here as we work for him.

Argentina Day 2 September 6, 2009

We started the day eating breakfast at the Hotel restaurant. Breakfast is a small meal here and consists of pastries called “facturas” which resemble croissants. Some are glazed with a sweet syrup. Coffee is also very different here. They serve strong coffee with milk, “cafe con leche.” It is pretty good!

We left for the church in City Bell shortly after 9:00. We had about 45 minutes to set up the room and figure out where all of our materials were and go over our plans. We did Spanish Praise and Worship with the congregation, and after the music, took the kids back for the lesson.

CityBellchurch

The lesson went really well. The kids enjoyed songs with motions (lead by Evelyn), a prayer (lead by Don) a Bible story about baby Moses (told by Hope), a memory verse game (lead by Emily D.), and a coloring activity to tie it all together.

After church, we had a lunch of sandwiches, empanadas, and Argentine pizza with the church members. It was a great time to get to know some of the church members here in City Bell.

CityBell2

The church in City Bell is pretty small and only has about 9-10 kids in a given Sunday. I’m not sure how many members they have in all. They just recently found a building to meet in and have been working to fix it up. We will be helping with cleaning and repair this week.

Afterwards, we came back to the hotel and participated in the wonderful Argentine practice of “Siesta”. This means, we took a nap!!!

After our rest, we traveled by Taxi to the church in La Plata. Emily D. and I rode with Karen, an 11 year old here who reminds us of Allyson back at our home church! Karen is learning English, so we spent the ride practicing each other’s languages. She is a very sweet girl who we have enjoyed getting to know while here. She and her older sisters used to live in the
Hogar Betel which is an orphanage here. The oldest sister, who is 18, takes care of Karen and the middle sister. It is a sad situation that they are in, but they are so loving of others and of God.

LaPlataKarenFebeLaPlataSongs

In La Plata, we once again lead the children’s time. This church is MUCH bigger. They may have around 100 members. The pastor is British.

Afterwards, George R. took us to Simon, a sandwich shop, for dinner. (We crammed all 6 of us into his little Volkswagon. Emily D and I sat in the hatchback!!) I tried the Milonesa, which is a meat similar to chicken fried steak served as a sandwich.

Then, George drove us back to the hotel and we all went to bed. It was a fun, but busy day.

CrammedCar

Safe Arrival and Day 1 in Argentina

We made it safe and sound to Argentina!

airportflight

The plane trip was smooth and we had very little trouble with check in, flight, or customs. We were picked up by long term team member, Kurt, and were taken by van to the hotel where we will be staying in City Bell.

hotelFront

Hotel1hotel3

hotel2

We had lunch (empanadas) at Kurt’s house with the rest of the team. Yes, I got to see George and Emily and hold sweet baby Madeleine!!

MeetingMaddy

After lunch, we went with several of the college students to a very poor neighborhood where we ministered to kids. We were able to share the gospel with the wordless books. It was such a great time!

BarrioCutieDonAtBarrioDonWithKidsHopeSharingBarrioEmilySharingBarrioTeamWithBarrioVolunteers

Dinner was spent with George and Emily at their home in La Plata. They hooked us up with TONS of food! Empanadas, Tartas, Salad, meat, and bread.

Present Whirlwind

What a week it’s been!

Sunday was out last team meeting before our departure date for Argentina.

Monday night we got the keys to our new rental house and began the process of moving in. This meant LOTS of cleaning, as the house has been inhabited by college students for the last few years. We cleaned until 2:30 in the morning!

Tuesday was official moving day. With lots of help from these guys and some dear friends, we were able to get nearly everything out of the apartment by midnight!

Wednesday I returned to the apartment to finish cleaning and get the last little bit of stuff. I had to tutor part of the afternoon, but spent the rest of my day lining the kitchen cabinets with contact paper.

Thursday was supposed to be designated to catch up on details for Argentina. I had to attend a Substitute teacher orientation for 4 hours in the middle of my afternoon. It is now nearly 2:00 in the morning and I’m at least packed for the trip. There are still a few plans that need to be fleshed out. Please pray that my lessons come together in time.

We depart Friday evening for Buenos Aires. We will be leading four Sunday school classes to train the teachers and parents, doing child evangelism around town at local churches and hopefully the orphanage, and anywhere else the Lord leads us. We will also do a little bit of Bible Training, Titus II, and some “home improvement” type projects.

Please continue to pray that God would be glorified in many ways. Please pray for the team members and the members of the churches we will be working with. Please pray for personal things for team - physical, financial, and emotional needs. Pray that we would be flexible and would wholly depend on God for making sure everything happens as it should, and be quick to give Him the glory.

"Down for The Count" now Available on iTunes!!!!

Today is a big day for my Dear Husband. He’s been working on a new game for the iPhone and it just appeared in the iTunes store today. “Down for the Count” is a boxing game and it’s available for the low price of $1.00!!! So, if you own an iPhone, you should go download it now!!!

Click Here to Download it!!!

Stumbling into Dinner

Now that I am not working full time, cooking in an economical way has become a focus. This week I decided to take advantage of a sale on whole chickens and cut them up myself in order to save a bit of money.

After breaking two chickens down to thighs, breasts, tender strips, legs, and wings, I intended to toss what was left. My dear husband happened to stroll into the kitchen just as I was about to toss the first carcass. He encouraged me to go ahead and make stock. We are about to move, and I don’t really want to add a lot more to my freezer, but I had carrots and onions on hand, so I decided to humor him.

I filled a pot with water, tossed in the bones, added a couple of quartered onions, dumped in a handful of baby carrots straight from the bag, and seasoned the pot with salt and pepper. I turned the burner up to high and brought it all up to a boil, then set it to simmer for several hours. During those hours, I did an insane amount of cleaning, but paid little attention to my pot.

As I worked, the pot just kept smelling better and better. The longer it simmered, the more I wanted Chicken Noodle soup. I remembered the egg noodles in my pantry and decided to move forward. With a bit of help from Mr. Brown on my favorite food channel, I knew what seasonings to add and I was on my way to a cheap and tasty dinner.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Confirmed: I am Argentina Bound

I was just notified today that tickets have been purchased! I depart September 4. The team will arrive home on September 15, but I will be staying behind to spend time encouraging my missionary friends who are there full time. I will be back on the 10th.

Praise God for His timing and provision. All has not gone according to our plans, but He is sovereign. Supporters have been generous and all of my money has come in as of just a couple of days ago and we are nearly ready to go.

We did experience a loss in our numbers due to the change in dates. There were 10 people planning to go, but only 5 of us will be making the trip. We will miss those who have helped in the planning stages, but would not be able to do the work without their contributions and prayers.