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!!!
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.
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
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.
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.