2010 Blessings in the Waiting! To come........

December in the Mountains of NC.

I was fortunate enough to be able to travel from Argentina to the mountains of North Carolina where I call home. While I was there I was blessed to be asked to speak in several different churches, I shared with them the ministry opportunities I have had over the last 8 months while serving in Argentina and even share the custom of mate with a few! The greatest amount of my time was just spent accompanying my mom, sister, and niece while they went about their everyday routines. I have loved making cupcakes, going to parties, getting shots, grocery shopping, and just hanging out and talking. You know it is so true, you don't know what you had till you don't have it anymore!

An amazing November sets up for an incredible December!

Fingerprints from the Field

November/December 2009

Have you ever had something in your life that you had been looking forward to for months and then as it got closer you started to dread it because you knew it would require lots of preparation? Well ,that is kind of what I felt like during the month of November. I knew I had several things to do to prepare my ministries and my apartment before I left for a month. So, as I began buying the needed things for my visit to the states and finishing up my bible studies , nothing could have prepared me for what God was going to show me during my preparations.

Why throw in the towel?

I was praying with two Argentine girls with whom I had met in my church about many things but one thing very specific. We were learning about how to start " small groups" on Saturday's in training sessions with Jay Cook my mentor and fellow missionary all together. We were praying about where to start a small group in the community where the church is located. Well, we were giving the name of a family by the church pastor and we started a small church the 2nd week in November. Our first 2 weeks were not the most encouraging weeks one would wish for but they could have been worse. God showed us that we mustn't give up regardless of the circumstances. We had come up against some major obstacles so far but none like God faces everyday and we must stay consistent and faithful.

Everyone Needs Encouragement

My women's bible study on Friday nights came to a close the last Friday of November with a wonderful goodbye party at my house. I had over 15 girls in my house. I was so pleased to have so many people wanting to see me before I left to United States for the holidays. The girls have been such an encouragement to me for the last 3 months since we have been having this study and fellowship time. I know they think it is a time for me to be there for them but for me it is a much more of an encouragement for me that they even want to spent time with me. When I return just in time for the new year I plan to do something a little different for the next 4 months that I am in Santiago.

When He Found Me

I heard someone recently say during a discussion on what they like most about Christmas that it is the time to reflect on what has happened good and bad during the year. I feel like I have learned so much during this year, especially my time in Argentina. I have not just grown as a person but as a missionary. While I have been home for the last month I have had the privilege to speak at several churches, spend quality time with family and friends but most of all realize over and over again how relationships are the root of life. There was one relationship that started it all for me 21 years ago this month. It was 21 years ago this December that Jesus "found me." The following song explains it really well.

I saw three AM come and go again Another sleepless night, thanks to living my own way All my great ideas, I've regretted most of them But that was back long before the day When I saw a flash of light and I heard the sound Of a voice like thunder shake the ground It was the first time I remember ever feeling my heartbeat And the arms that gripped me felt like grace And I realized in their embrace To be held so tight I've never felt so free Also know as the day that you found me My whole life has changed ever since the day You came The way I see, the things I want, it's everything Some may call it strange, I don't care what people say I knew You were the only way I've never known a love like this You've captured my heart and You brought the sweetest Peace to my life, brought me into the light Now I'm all Yours, Jesus, draw me into You I don't think that I could ever be the same Who would want to be anyway

~ Big Daddy Weave

Thank you for your prayers and support this year. I can't express how important they have been for me. Please keep the prayers coming as I want to do God's will in every way. Pray as the IMB is still being restructured and a new president will come into office this July. I will be heading back to Argentina on the 29th and would appreciate your prayers for a safe flight.

Tomorrow is a new day!

Growth

These last few months have been full of growth here in Santiago. Our missionary family not only grew by the addition of the Andrew's family but my church family continues to grow with the birth of new babies. Along with new physical life, God is providing in form of outreach as well. Many new small groups have started out in the interior of Santiago and some are in the works here in the city. Please keep this new growth in your prayers. As well as the planting of seeds that took place in August and September by too teams from Georgia.

On a personal note:

God has moved in my own life a lot these last two months helping me to see how I can be a better missionary and leader. I am growing in the area of independence and faith daily. After a recent trip to Paraguay to renew my visa and have some health check-ups God continued to show me how capable I am with his help.

Praises:

~A successful trip to Paraguay

~2 successful mission teams

~ Letters and packages from home.

~ Continued guidance and growth in Christ

Requests

~ God will continue to lead me in where I should start a small group

~For my allergies and sinuses ( the weather changes fast here and I feel it in my face when it does)

~For continued desire to get my monthly tasks done.

~For my trip home in December

~ For the spiritual warfare that is so alive because God is moving here.

~ For continued language learning

New Additions!

God has blessed me with so many amazing friends here in Santiago and two of those couples I was able to participate in either giving them a baby shower or the birth of their children. Ezekiel and Pilar had Bianca about a month ago. I was able to plan the games for her baby shower. Then Tato and Andre just had Maxiliano on the 15th of October. I was able to be at the baby shower for Maxi and at the hospital for his birth.

The last half of the Adventure!

The last part of the team adventure was in Bajo Grande a small community about an hour in the other direction going away from the city then Atamisqui. During this time the team got to minister at the Baptist Church at Bajo Grande but playing volleyball with the youth, telling the testimonies, preaching, and just loving on the them! Who says you're too old to play! Katie loving on some sweet girls!

Dust Storms are not good on the eyes but they do add texture to the walls!

Most of the 6 working days that the team was here were used to paint the First Aid Station and show 2 movies to the public at Atamisqui. During the day the team painted and at night they showed, "Fireproof" and a Billy Graham movie. The movies were well received and the team was even invited one day for lunch over to the school. God opened a lot of doors that week just by the presence of the team in that small town. Everyday as we drove into Atamisqui we knew we were getting close because a dust storm would start to pick-up. We knew it was the devil trying to keep us away but he was going to have to do a lot more then that to keep us from doing Gods will that week!

Atamisqui: Prayer Walking

On August 10th, a team from Maysville, GA came to Santiago del Estero, Argentina to work in a part of the interior that needs to know about God with urgency. Atamisqui is a small area about an hour outside of the capital city. Atamisqui is known to be a very dark place spiritually with very few known believers. The first day of work was used for orientation and prayer walking of the small town. The 7 member team came prepared to paint the First Aid Station as their "open door" into the community.

Team 2: Maysville, GA

Hitting the Ground Running! The 7 member team from Maysville, Ga came to Santiago del Estero ready to do whatever God opened the door for them to do. They started their first full-day off with orientation and prayer walking in a new area of the interior that Jay Cook (head missionary) is working on opening, Autamishqui.

The little things, give them back!

I was hoping culture shock had moved right along and wasn’t going to visit me here in Argentina but last week it did. Exactly at the 3 month mark everything began to hit me at once. I could look at the different type of water heater or shower and cry. Because I was aware of what I was going through I began to pray, and talk about it. I was not going to let all the new little overwhelming things steal my joy. Another way I got through it was by thinking about someone God has placed in my life…

Mariela is 28 and because of family circumstances has to live the life of a 38 year old. Over a year ago Mariela’s father was accused of fraud. After that happened the city seized most of their possessions but could not prove her father was guilty. However, being that the justice system in South America is very corrupt, he was still held under arrest. He fell ill and has been held in a hospital for the last 9 months or so. Recently he was taken back to jail when something happened with the recent governor. When he was taken back to jail he began to use the example God had given him preaching to his fellow inmates. He had led 4 men to Christ when he fell ill again and recently was back in the hospital again. When he became sick, those men stayed up all night praying and reading the bibles I took them. Moreover, Mariela has had to grow-up very fast, she is running her families internet café business, and she has had to quit school to help her family. Her mother is now working when she didn’t work before and is now figuring out how to run the family. What does all this mean? It means when the little things start to become too much to handle we have to refocus and realize why we are where we are. I open up my apartment sometimes just so Mariela and her brothers have a place to go and feel free from the rest of the world. I go see her father and take him moves etc. I remove the little frustrating things from my life, find the positive and give them back!

Formosa Flexibility

This month has been quite a month. It started with a road trip to a more northern part of Argentina, Formosa for a regional meeting. On July 9^th I boarded a bus for Formosa and embarked on a 10 hour bus ride all alone. It was my first “Greyhound like” bus trip alone. It was an overnight trip so it went by real fast. When I arrived in Formosa I had to immediately meet up with some team members so I could cross over the river to Paraguay and renew my tourist visa. So my second adventure within 24 hours was to cross over the river into Paraguay with 6 college students who were spending their summer in Argentina. Well, that was an experience I will never forget. It was cold and rainy and the first thing we were asked were why we going over to the other side and of course we said to shop because border shopping is always a must, because almost always things are cheaper right as you enter a country. Well, right away we were warned that because of the Swine flu we could not buy and or bring anything back with us from one border to the next, except for our bodies! It was crazy because we could bring back the virus just as easy without stuff as we could with stuff. Anyway, they said we could pass over and return. However, the process to get my passport stamped was more complicated than we thought it was going to be. However, needless to say 3 boat rides, 4 passport stamps and 3 hours later mission accomplished.

After our short stay in Paraguay we all returned to start our weekend of missionary fellowship. The weekend was great for me because being that I am new to the Argentine Lowland team there were many missionaries I only knew by name. We kicked off the weekend with an early sweet 16 dinner for Elizabeth Cook and ended with all day strategy/policy meeting. Overall, it was a great weekend because it was a time to hear what God was doing all over Argentina and what he is cooking up. As well as I got to return back to Santiago with my favorite/partner missionaries, the Cooks and we were able to stop in one of the small towns where they used to live near and minister and attend a church serve and fellowship after with one of the families. Honestly, God is moving here in Argentina, he is opening doors, please pray for his workers to be diligent to answer the call and start the work.

This month has been quite a month. It started with a road trip to a more northern part of Argentina, Formosa for a regional meeting. On July 9^th I boarded a bus for Formosa and embarked on a 10 hour bus ride all alone. It was my first “Greyhound like” bus trip alone. It was an overnight trip so it went by real fast. When I arrived in Formosa I had to immediately meet up with some team members so I could cross over the river to Paraguay and renew my tourist visa. So my second adventure within 24 hours was to cross over the river into Paraguay with 6 college students who were spending their summer in Argentina. Well, that was an experience I will never forget. It was cold and rainy and the first thing we were asked were why we going over to the other side and of course we said to shop because border

shopping is always a must, because almost always things are cheaper right as you enter a country. Well, right away we were warned that because of the Swine flu we could not buy and or bring anything back with us from one border to the next, except for our bodies! It was crazy because we could bring back the virus just as easy without stuff as we could with stuff. Anyway, they said we could pass over and return. However, the process to get my passport stamped was more complicated than we thought it was going to be. However, needless to say 3 boat rides, 4 passport stamps and 3 hours later mission accomplished.

After our short stay in Paraguay we all returned to start our weekend of missionary fellowship. The weekend was great for me because being that I am new to the Argentine Lowland team there were many missionaries I only knew by name. We kicked off the weekend with an early sweet 16 dinner for Elizabeth Cook and ended with all day strategy/policy meeting. Overall, it was a great weekend because it was a time to hear what God was doing all over Argentina and what he is cooking up. As well as I got to return back to Santiago with my favorite/partner missionaries, the Cooks and we were able to stop in one of the small towns where they used to live near and minister and attend a church serve and fellowship after with one of the families. Honestly, God is moving here in Argentina, he is opening doors, please pray for his workers to be diligent to answer the call and start the work.

True Friends

During the last month so many blessings have come pouring my way. I have had some up and down times and God has really used these times to show me the true friends he had already put in my life. I was amazed because some of them were people I had just met! Below you will see some of the various events he used to help me build closer relationships. Please keep the up and coming month in your prayers a team from Maysville, Ga is coming August 11th-18th. Also, please pray as school gets back started her after a long Swine Flu break.

Showers of Blessings!

Game Night Carolina's Birthday Dia del Amigo

Something Could Come of this!?!?!

About a week ago I could not sleep and I knew that God wanted to talk to me. So, I did not fight it prayed and listened. I have been praying for weeks about what God could be doing with me at my local church here in Santiago. I thought about the youth age girls who have not been coming now for several weeks or who come and then don't come again until one of their friends comes. I have been feeling a lack of discipleship for this age (20-30) and so I started praying about it. It wasn't to long until I was approached by one of the youth girls and asked when I was going to have the girls over to house again. We set the date for last Friday and then I was talking to another one of them on how it would be nice if the get-togethers were not just to play games but were to study the bible and fellowship about Christ and our lives as well and where they could bring their non-believing friends. So, last Friday when we got together we discussed it and I asked the girls if it was something they were interested in and they all said yes. So, I am now praying about what material I am going to use and about the space. Please pray about it. God is very much answering. I want this to be a study where the ladies feel they can bring their unsaved friends and not get attacked so, it is in my apartment until we run out of space. Pray th that the girls will be patient with my ever learning mind and that their confidence in me will grow. I want this study to 100% be the Lord's and not Sierra's.

Making My First Argentine Pizza

FirsSince I had already learned to make empanadas, noquis, milanesa, and fiambre sandwiches either in Costa Rica, or Bolivia I had to find a food my nationals friends wanted to eat and that they wanted to teach me how to make so, my Andrea suggested pizza. I know what you are thinking, "how different could it be." Well, normally they use a dough that you can buy at the store that already has the yeast mixed in with the flour in one bag and you just add water and let rise. Then, they put thin tomato paste with spices on the crust and back the crust till done. Next, they sautee tomatoes, tomato paste, pizza spice and oregano. When the crust is done you spread on the other sauce and any toppings you want. Finally you put a soft cream like cheese on top and back till the cheese has melted and is ready to spread out. Normally, the crust is real thin but Andrea, my friend who taught me, wanted me to make my crust recipe, so that is why it looks much fluffier! I love learning new things and it was a lot of fun showing Andrea on the second pizza the normal shredded cheese I use and the sauce. I have always that cooking could bring people together and now I know, it really can!

We Must Always Be Ready

Just a few days ago I sent out the following prayer request.

Fabian, a 27 year old young man from the youth group I attend is in critical condition in a local hospital with what the doctors believe is viral meningitis, this would be the 2nd time in a year he has had meningitis. He is not responding right now and because he is in ICU not many people can go in to see him. Please pray for his recovery and for the doctors to find out why it is so easy for him to get this illness.

On Saturday I went with Maria to the hospital to see Fabian and met his mom and brother in the waiting room with all of Fabian's stuff beside them. As soon as the mom saw us she said "guess where we are going?" Then she just offered up the answer, " to a normal hospital room, we're moving out of the ICU." That was such great news! While we were sitting there talking to his mom she was telling us about the experiences she had had since being there at the hospital both last year when Fabian had the same thing and this time ( 10 days so far.) While she was telling us an older gentleman walked over and said " can I join the conversation?" Of course we said yes and at one point the man shared with us that his wife was in ICU with cancer and he was sad and tired. He had heard us talking about what God can do and the miracles he works in peoples lives when they believe in Him. The man said he wanted that faith in his life and right there in the hospital waiting room prayed to receive Christ as his savior. Then, Fabian's mom looked at me and said " as a missionary you have to ready for moments just like that one, no matter where you are."

Please keep praying for Fabian, he is on the road to recovery. He is now able to communicate with his eyes and index finger. He is eating good but it will be a while before he will talk again. Pray for his family as they are being pulled in many directions trying to stay there with him and manage their jobs and their house.

Enough Love to Go Around!

During the months of May/June love came to Santiago del Estero, Argentina in many different forms. First, in the form of visitors. One of the friends I made in language school in Costa Rica, Laura came to visit me, she is now a missionary in the north of Argentina as well. Then, June 12th-18th a team of 7 came from Bowling Green, Florida. They came to do creative ministries in the interior of Santiago with myself and the Cook family ( the veteran missionaries here). During that week we all lived in the Cook's house so when we had to get up at 5:45 in the morning and be somewhere by 7 it was a lot easier to have everyone under one roof. The week consisted of lots of translating for me, which was a true blessing because it was my first time having to translate "cold turkey." We went into 2 schools that were in 2 farming areas of the interior and they were open to the dramas and the testimonies we shared. I also got to help with making animal balloons for the kids and face painting, things I love to do. The first school was barely a year old and had two rotations, small kids studied in the morning and big kids in the afternoon. The second school was over 40 years old but still did not have electricity. We taught the kids some about American football as well as the program the team had planned but most importantly we showed them God's love by loving on them. I was truly blessed by the team that came, they worked very well together and made my job as a "helper" super easy. One of big blessings of the team was they brought "a little piece of home" for all the missionaries here. Since I had not been able to have a house warming party here for my new apartment, 2 churches blessed me with "house warming in a box." Fort Totten and Wells Grove sent me many things I can use to entertain and bless others in my new home. Also, my family sent me a lot of love through new pictures and things I needed. I was truly blessed to see the heart of the people through what they sent and also the presents the team brought for all of us. Finally, I have seen love shown in a big way through new friends and friendships I have made here. I had not made it back to my apartment too long after the team left before friends were sending messages to see if I was available, for dinner, or just to talk! God is so good about placing wonderful people in our lives right when we need them! Urgent Prayer Request: Fabian, a 27 year old young man from the youth group I attend is in critical condition in a local hospital with what the doctors believe is viral meningitis, this would be the 2nd time in a year he has had meningitis. He is not responding right now and because he is in ICU not many people can go in to see him. Please pray for his recovery and for the doctors to find out why it is so easy for him to get this illness. Until the last one knows, Sierra

June 12th-18th ( Team Bowling Green, Florida)

Review of the June 12th-18th Team from Bowling Green, Florida! The team arrived as only 7 people but it can take a whole lot more then 7 to get done the amount of work they got done in 5 days. Below is a picture of the whole group of the national helpers: translators, pastors, recreation leader, plus the local missionaries that helped the team get a lot accomplished during the week, the best of all being opening a lot of doors for more work to be done here in Santiago del Estero. On Sunday the 14th the team and I spent the day at Bajo Grande Church. The day consisted of everything from walking from house to house handing out fliers for the afternoon activities to painting faces, making balloons creatures, teaching American football skills, and talking with the youth while the movie Fire Proof was shown in Spanish at night to the adults. Wednesday the Team spent the morning at a school out in country that is over 40 years old but still does not have electricity and most the kids who come to the school walk to it. Below is Jay and Jan Cook, myself and members of the team in front of the school and the team having breakfast with the director of the school The week started by me moving out of my apartment and staying at the Cook's house with the team. Here is me moving back in at the end of the week right before the team left Argentina.

Upianita: Santiageno Culture

From the entrance it looks likes nothing more then your typical park. However, every weekend around 2:00 in the afternoon Upianita is hoping with Santageno culture. First comes the traditional food. You can order empanadas, and just about anything that comes off the grill from steak and ribs to goat. Most people bring their own drinks and buy their food. Then there is a live band playing typical music from Santiago and then dancers in the traditional dress who are dancing the traditional dances especially the chacarera. You have to pay close attention to the whole area because there are things to see and hear covering the whole grounds. If you walk all the way back to the forest part of the park, you will find an outdoor art gallery that is a great way to become educated on many of the traditional legends of the area. Then you will hear the click and clatter of horses hooves as the traditional horse and buggy "sury" takes people around as well as people take horse back rides around the lake. The best part of the experience for me was getting to share it with a family from Santiago. A local pastor and his wife had brought their family and they were able to "shed a lot of light" on things for me. They explained a lot of the differences in the styles of dances and the art. I enjoyed being able to spend time with them and see things from the perspective of an insider.

Birthdays are made for celebrating with friends! (part 2)

On Saturday June 6th it was finally time to celebrate Viky's birthday, Maria's niece. Her birthday was during the last week of May but the family had waited to celebrate till this date. Viky turned 3 and the theme of her party was "Winnie the Pooh." She has had a Pooh party ever since she turned one. When I arrived with the cake to help, I was overwhelmed by the elaborate homemade decorations and the amazing creativity. The party had to be held on the patio to accommodate the amount of people who were invited. Well, about 20 children came but several people did not come because it is winter here in Argentina and it tends to be a little cool at night, in the 50's at times. Overall, the party was a big success with the family making two smaller cakes, alfajores, pasta flora, and some other snacks to go with the hot chocolate served to the kids. I think the thing that is hardest for me to get used to are the balloon pinatas. They fill this big balloon with toys and candy and plow them up and then fill them with flour, powdered sugar, or corn starch. Then they bust it so that it explodes white and all the goodies come out and the kids get covered in white stuff. I think I enjoy more the traditional pinata that the kids have to hit with a stick and break open, then you don't have the chance of flour getting in a child's eye. Being that I have never had a lot of family, the best part of birthday parties in South America for me, are the gathering of family. I used to shy away from big gatherings because I was not used to them but now I enjoy seeing the blessings that come from big families and what they draw from each other.

Birthday's are made for celebrating with friends( part 2)!

On Saturday June 6th it was finally time to celebrate Viky's birthday Maria's niece. Her birthday was during the last week of May but the family had waited to celebrate till this date.

Birthdays are made for celebrating with friends!

On Thursday June 4th was Mariela's birthday. Mariela is one of my language partners and also attends the same church I do. Mariela has been going through some real trials in her life and God has really been blessing her by surrounding her with fellowship through Christian friends during this time. So, on her birthday she just wanted to be surrounded by friends so that is what we did, went to her house, drank mate and fellowshipped.

Kick-off of Escuela Biblica

On Saturday May 31st was the kick-off of escuela biblica at Emanuel Baptist. Escuela Biblica is a lot like one of the programs you have probably heard of referred to as team kid, ga's, hora feliz, etc. It takes place on Saturdays at 4:00 and the children are divided in age levels and learn about the bible, have snack and recreation time. Well, Saturday was the day to introduce it for this year, so there was a jumping castle, a children's Jesus film played, and lots of chocolate milk and cookies handed out. About 150 children came from all over Santiago del Estero and they were ready to get started. I went to help and see what it was all about. I have not commited to a lot of things yet, I am waiting to see where God wants to use me before I fully commit. However, this minister is a true blessing to this church, neighborhood, and the surrounding ones. Noelia and I had a chance to take some of the children home who had come to the event. We thought they had walked from the nearby neighborhood which it was but as we began to walk with them around 6:30 the sun went down and we noticed they had walked a long way alone. The little boy you will notice in the slide show ate like he had never eaten before and his little sister of maybe one year had walked there with their brothers and sisters. I knew from my previous experience this was not anything unusual but Noelia did not need to go alone so I went with her and these children did not need to cross the highway at night alone. That experience gave me the chance to see even in the country they call "the Europe of SOuth America" poverty is so alive. The area where these children lived reminded me so much of the neighborhoods I was surrounded by in Bolivia. God does things for a reason and that day he opened my eyes and my heart and most importantly my mind to a new understanding of Argentina.

Who wants to eat alone?

On Thursday I got a wonderful call from Andrea and Tato a couple from the church where I have been spending a lot of time “Emmanuel Baptist.” Andrea said she was near town and Tato was getting ready to finish work at his barber shop and would I like to have dinner with them and just visit so I would not have to eat alone and they could get to know me better. I was so blessed by the time I spent with them, we laughed, we ate, and most of all we shared a lot.

Javier & Romina: Visitation continued

Last night, May 27th I went with my friends Pablo and Noelia to visit a couple from Emanuel Baptist who have not been married to long and live pretty far out from the city, Javier and Romina. I had met them at church but just by acquaintance. The three of us were going to go get something to eat and decided it would be nice to go and visit them. Javier is super funny and has a good grasp on the English language as does Pablo. However, Romina is kinda shy and reserved and I think could use some friends, most of her family live in another town. We had pizza, empanadas, and a chicken pie. Then Romina shared with me her wedding fotos and a video they had made for their wedding. They really are a young but sweet couple. I was truly blessed to get to know them more and to be welcomed into their home.

Visiting is ministry?

About a week ago Noelia and her sister Carolina were the first visitors to my apartment for mate time. After, having them at my house it was the first time I ever really thought about what the time I had spent with them had meant. I soon realized if I let it, it could open many doors for me, because visiting is something we do to get to know someone better and to build confidence in the relationship. So, Tuesday the 26th Noelia and her boyfriend Pablo came over to visit. I was especially happy for this visit because Noelia studies in a nearby town and often has to be away for weeks and then comes back when she gets a break. However, she has not had to return to start classes yet so, she was able to visit again and bring Pablo, with whom I had met but didn't know very well. We of course talked about everything one person can share and they had been present at church to hear my testimony but always there is more that is left to share. With Noelia and Pablo I feel secure in my Spanish that I can make mistakes and not worry that they are judging me but looking for the best way to help me. SO, to answer my own question some of the best ways we can minister to people is to visit with them and let them know we are there for them, no matter what. I know even though I am a believer that every time Noelia or Pablo say to me " if you need anything let us know or when can we come back", it is genuine and it means so much.

Pablo & Noelia

My first visitor!

Then on Saturday I went to the bus station at 6:30 to pick up Laura Almdale a friend of mine whom I had all my classes with in Costa Rica my first trimester. She is a missionary in Corrientes, Argentina. By 8:30 she had not arrived and I was worried, I began calling people because she is blond, thin, pretty, etc. (you never know what can happen) Then, about 15 minutes later she arrived just in time to go to the Campo (to the country side) with the Cook family, Maria and myself. We went to the campo, which is owned by Maria's grandmother to see what kind of possibilities of outreach there are in that area. We had an amazing time, getting to know what life is like in this part of the country, sharing lunch with Maria's family. We then went straight back home so that Laura could have a chance to go to a jovenes meeting at Emmanuel Baptist which is Maria's church and the one I am attending more frequently right now. On Sunday we barely woke-up in time to make it to Maria's house for an asado ( BBQ) so, that Laura could meet all of my "new Argentine family." After having a big lunch we went downtown so Laura could see what downtown Santiago is like. We walked all over downtown until it was time for her bus. Then, Maria and I went off to church with Laura safely at the bus terminal. At 11:30 I got a call from Laura telling me she had missed her bus and could I come and help her. God is faithful and I was on a bus that passed close to the terminal and I went and picked her up, figured out the problem and tookher home with me. It actually was a blessing we got to wake up the next morning, make breakfast together and talk before she left that afternoon. God blesses us in so many unexpected ways. When I first met Laura I had no idea of the impact or blessings she would bring to my life. Her example shinned so clearly through the whole bus situation, she was steady and calm, if only we could all be that way! I now am now starting to think about the people God is placing in my life now, daily. It is like when I first met Laura and I get excited because it reminds me that God can make amazing things out of what looks like nothing to us.

Remes- Maria's Grandmothers' Farm

A weekend filled with fellowship!

My weekend started on Friday night with a "Girls Game and Gab Night." I had about 6 girls from Emmauel Baptist (counting myself) come over and enjoy subs, scrabble, and sharing. We had such a good time, many of the girls had never played anything like Spanish Scrabble before so, it was super fun and funnnnny! I am so blessed to have a wonderful place to stay and to entertain and get to know people better. from this share time I was able to get to know one of the girls from the church better and she is now going to be one of my language partners. God is good!

Entertaining + Love = Unity!

On Sunday night I again had the wonderful opportunity of attending Emmanuel Baptist here in Santiago and listening to a wonderful pastor, Mr. Jay Cook himself! The message really hit home to me in many ways but especially when he said " we need to be looking through sunglasses of grace." His message was on unity, how to have it and how to destroy it. He talked a lot on pride and how a lot of times we as humans walk around with sunglasses on and only see things in the light that we want to, we don't take them off to see things how they really are, not to lower ourselves. I have never thought of myself as a prideful person, but I am human so by nature I am. I started thinking that night how could I show the people of Argentina that I want to be more unified with them. The way to have unity is to love. Romans 12:3 So, I started thinking I have already been blessed by having friends here but how can I show them I love them. Yesterday, I had the first set of visitors to my house ( Noela and Carolina) for "mate or tea time." God has blessed me with a wonderful apartment and they wanted to get to know me, so why not show them love by opening my home. Then after we shared a time of fellowship and went to a movie, they invited me to their home for dinner at 11:00 pm. I was overwhelmed by how looking at things in a different light opened up an opportunity for unity or friendship in only hours.

Are you balanced?

This last Saturday I had the privilege of going to my first all day ladies retreat here in Argentina. The lady who spoke came from Buenos Aires to deliver the message and she talked about "The Characteristics of a Woman in the Church." Her main point was that we need to be balanced, clean inside and out, pure from all sides, etc. That there is a balance that we as woman have to pay close attention to, especially in the way we talk. She also went into specific examples of conduct. One thing that she said really struck me, because I have found myself thinking it many times. "Prayer is not a substitute for reading the bible." I have thought to myself before, "oh I will just pray tonight, I can read another day. Then, I begin to wonder why is God not speaking to me, why do I feel like I lack biblical knowledge. She said even if we read just a small passage it may be what we need to hear from God for that moment. What she said was nothing major or profound but I find myself needing to be reminded just like a kid all the time that I may know something but before I make it a habit, it will not have an effect on anyone or anything.

Driving Lessons Again...........Why me?

There were 2 very special things that happened today here in Northern Argentina. First, the cold season came in with a punch, with a low of 48 degrees. The second being my first driving lesson on a manual truck. Well, I will tell you one I like very much because I am from the mountains and the other I will learn to like because there is no other choice here! With all being said, it was not near as bad a I thought it was going to be and I have a very good teacher! However, that doesn't mean stop praying, I still have next weeks lessons to go!

There she is folks, my Toyota wheels for the next year or so!

Baby Shower Anyone?

When I left Costa Rica it seemed like everyone with the IMB was getting pregnant ( well ones that had that possibility). So, when I got to Argentina I thought things would be different. Well, things are a little different it's not the missionaries who are pregnant but the ladies of the churches. So, my first cultural event this week was the first ever baby shower or "te de canasta" in Maria's church. The event was in honor of Carol, a lady who works with a project that educates and feeds needy kids, "El Comedor". The funniest thing for me was how the event was no different then going to someones home here in Santiago and visiting, mate was passed around facturas ( danishes) were on the table, no games ( no clothes pins, no counting toilet paper squares) were played and at the end gifts were opened before people left. Also, no big gifts were given, clothes, some diapers, and shoes. I had a good time and we have already talked about the next one coming up in November and how I can help make it more like a "real Baby Shower" they say! If you have any ideas, let me know!

Maria my new friend!

Beware of the word "Nothing!"

Almost immediately after I arrived in Santiago del Estero my fellow missionaries Jay and Jan Cook being such fine missionaries quickly introduced me to a national young lady to whom they thought I would have a lot in common and could help me with getting familiarized with the culture ( I also think they were ready to have their normal family life back, hahaha) Well, my first Tuesday in Santiago the Cook's introduced me to Maria. Maria is one of Jan's language partners and goes to their house every Monday to practice Spanish with Jan. So, this particular week she needed to do it on Tueday and I went along. Well, while we were in the truck ( yep, the truck I still can't drive yet) Maria and I began to talk in the back seat about our interests and our lives. One of the first things out of her mouth was, I am a missionary and most recently I lived 3 years in Bolivia. I couldn't believe it, God sent me an Argentine version of me to be my first friend. We continued to talk and make plans because I new I needed to go the dentist and I had no idea of where a good dentist was in this city I had been there one week. So, we made plans for Friday to go to the dentist. Well, on Wednesday I get a text message from her asking me what I was doing before I thought, I answered nothing because it was seista time was I was working on my computer or something. She asked me if I wanted to go to her house, I said sure and so she said she would come and get me after she got off work at 8:30-9:00. So, I knew I had time to take a bath etc. Well, my buzzer rings about 30 minutes later, I had just gotten out of the bath ( you can imagine how I was) and it was her, she had changed the plans. Her mom thought it was better I spend time with her family then in my apartment alone. So, she took me to her house while she worked from 5:30-8:30. It was my first formal time having yerba mate:

The infusion called mate is prepared by steeping dry leaves (and twigs) of yerba mate in hot water, rather than in boiling water like black tea. Drinking mate with friends from a shared hollow gourd (also called a mate or guampa in Spanish) with a metal straw (a bombilla in Spanish) is a common social practice in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, southern Chile, eastern Bolivia and Southern Region, Brazil and has been cultivated in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

The flavor of brewed yerba mate is strongly vegetal, herbal, and grassy, reminiscent of some varieties of green tea. Many consider the flavor to be very agreeable, but it is generally bitter if steeped in boiling water, so it is made using hot but not boiling water In Argentina this is commonly drunk with breakfast or as part of merienda (roughly, afternoon tea), often with a selection of facturas (sweet pastries). It is also made by heating yerba in water and straining it as it cools.In Paraguay and the Litoral Argentino, yerba mate is also drunk as a cold beverage. Usually drunk out of a cow's horn in the countryside, tereré, as it is known in the Guaraní language, is served with cold or iced water. Medicinal herbs, known as "yuyos", are mixed in a mortar and pestle and added to the water for taste or medicinal reasons. Tereré consumed in Paraguay may also be made as an infusion of yerba mate with grapefruit or lemon juice. Needless to say I have had my feel of mate during the last week, because the tradition in most homes is to pass the mate around taking turns and it is normally very hot! However, is a great way to open up doors in a family, to sit around and drink mate and talk. It has helped me to ge to know the family better and them me. Also, last week I was able to accompany Maria to the jovenes group that she attends. Jovenes in latin american normally starts at the age of 18 and goes until you get married, into your 30's. One of the first things that one has to understand is the schedule in Argentina, it is a culture that seems to never sleep at night, especially in Santiago del Estero. The youth meeting started at 9:00 and I got home at close to 1:00 am. However, that is not tolling on their bodies because they go to work by 7 in the morning and then have a 5 hour siesta from 1:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon. It is something I am getting used to but sometimes your doctors appointments or schools won't let out till 6:00 or 7:00 at the earliest. Until My Next Event~