One Chapter Ends, Another Begins

I'm sitting in Room #2 of Casa ACU. It's empty. No clothes in the closet, no mate or dulce de leche (two delicious Uruguayan foods) on my desk, and no alpaca teddy bear on the bed. Seeing it empty is surreal.

Today has been hard for all of us. Saying goodbye is never fun, and we've all been walking around teary eyed. It's a little pathetic, but understandable too. In fact, I think the sadness we're experiencing is a good sign! It means that we have made the most of our semester here. It means we have fallen in love with a new culture. It means we've formed relationships. It means we've grown a little (and realize that we have a whole lot farther to go).

One chapter ends, another begins. I'm not sure what this next chapter back in the States will look like. What I do know, however, is that I will be taking the memories, lessons, and friendships from this past semester and use it in the next. In an hour, I'll be headed to the airport. And in a day, I'll be back in America. Seeing friends and family at home and being home for Christmas adds the "sweet" to this bittersweet transition. I am so looking forward to that part!

Thank you all for following me on this journey the past four months! I hope blogging has been an enjoyable way for you all to hear a little about this time! I am so grateful for this opportunity and that God has allowed me to have it! Praise Him for that :)

Chao amigos!

Changing Tides...

Hello friends!

This week is bittersweet. Bitter because it's my last week here in South America. My last week of living with my new 9 sisters and 1 brother, meals by Raquel (our amazing cook), beaches in the afternoon, 85 degree weather, Spanish, and exciting travels. Sweet because it means I am a week away from a precious reunion with family and friends, Christmas time in Albuquerque, my cell phone, being spoken to in English, Dr. Pepper (no DP here... It's a sad story I try not to think about haha), and ultimately being back at ACU! They may have to drag me to the airport this week, but with that said I will be excited to be home and will come back with so many incredible memories and experiences! This semester has been the time of my life.

This past weekend was our last beach trip. We visited Cabo Palonio, Punta Ballena, and La Paloma, three beaches in Uruguay. The beach in December? I'll take it! Our time included swimming, tanning, riding horses on the beach (an item on my bucketlist... check!), eating at a cute hippy hostel, taking a boat tour of a forest area, and getting stranded on the canal when our boat's engine died lol.

While on the beach, I noticed something. The ocean is always changing. It's taken me 19 years to realize this, but my time on beaches this semester has revealed it. The same beach looks and feels different day to day. Some days the waves are calm and organized, gently and steadily rolling in. Some days the waves are angry, ready to slap beach-goers in the face. Some days the beach is full of slimy sea weed or shiny shells. Some days the sand is completely spotless, not a shell in sight. And, of course, depending on the time of day, the tide is always changing. Same ocean, same water, different qualities each day.

I think that, in a way, this observation of the ocean can be used for an analogy for God. Let me explain. God is never changing and always made up of the same qualities (perfect Love, Righteousness, Mercy, and Omniscience, for example). The ocean, too, is always made up of the same qualities, two particles of hydrogen and one of oxygen. It's the same ocean and the same water. However, God may show different qualities of himself at different times. There is a time where God must exhibit his wrath or judgment in our lives; times where he must discipline us. Similarly, there are times where God exhibits his grace and comfort; times where we need his loving embrace. God is unchanging but may exhibit more wrath in one situation and more grace in the other. Just as the ocean's waves may be violent one day and calm the next.

Perhaps I haven't explained this as clearly as I would like to, but the comparison has helped me to understand a little better the nature of an unchanging God.
Malachi 3:6 "For I am the LORD, I change not..."

Wanderers

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." 2 Corinthians 5:1-5

The past four months I have spent wandering. Wandering around the streets of Montevideo (lost most of the time, mind you... I'm horrible with directions!), wandering from country to country, wandering in an attempt to find my place in this big world. I am a wanderer.

The constant wandering that comes from traveling has revealed some spiritual truths. As Christians, we are ALL wanderers on this earth. Think about it, we all feel a discontent with our home here. There's pain, sorrow, confusion, and imperfection that we are unsatisfied with. Why does God allow for this discontent in our lives? And why does he allow us to wander? One reason, perhaps, is that God wants us to long for something better, our eternal and perfect lives in heaven. If earth were perfect, why would we desire heaven or need God?

Maybe it's a good thing that I am I cannot identify my "home" on earth, because I do not have one. Our home is in heaven, an eternal and glorious home better than our human brains can fathom. Praise be to God for the hope we have in this future, right?! It's going to be inconceivably beautiful. So until then we continue to wander, knowing our true home is yet to come.

Third Home, Third Family

Our ten-day free travel adventures are over and all ten of the students are back in Montevideo at Casa ACU. The ten of us had split into three groups (four students in Chile/Peru, two students in Chile/Bolivia/Peru, and four more in Brazil). It felt strange not being together for so long. After all, we live together and had seen each other every day for the past three months!

My time in Brazil was unbelievable, but I was also very excited to be back home in Uruguay. On the flight back, we kept saying "we're going home." That struck me as odd but very true. For the past four months, Uruguay has been my home. If "home is where the heart is," than a part of my heart is here now. Of course Albuquerque, NM will always be my hometown, but I believe I can have more than one "home" in my life. Sometimes it's the mountains of New Mexico, other times it's the flat plains of Abilene, and still other times it's the bustling city of Montevideo. What a blessing to call three places home!

And of course what is a home without a family. I have "families" in all three locations. My wonderful, loving, biological family in Albuquerque, my sweet friends and church community in Abilene, and my new family of ten students and three teachers here in Uruguay. We call ourselves a family here at Casa ACU often. These students have become my siblings over the past four months. We have lunches and dinners together, we share the same house, we have movie nights, and we will even be celebrating Thanksgiving together as a family next week. Last night, the two students who traveled to Bolivia/Chile/Peru came home. They had gotten stranded in Bolivia for three days (longggg, crazy story) and arrived back safe at last. When they got here, everyone was screaming in the house, hugging, laughing, and jumping around. They called themselves the "prodigal daughters," home at last. A beautiful picture of community, yes?

There are exactly 20 days left in the semester until my new family and I are on our flight back to the United States. Bittersweet is the only way to describe it. I will be sad to say goodbye to my new home and my new brother and sisters for a time. Still, I can hardly WAIT to be reunited with my old, familiar home and family/friends! What a sweet reunion!

So there you have it, my thoughts on my new home and family. God has blessed me entirely too much to have three homes and three families. He is a good God indeed.

Exotic Fruit, Excellent People, and Exceptional Beaches... Welcome to Rio Everyone

These past ten days have been spent in the beautiful Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! Study abroad allows us to have a ten day free travel period where we are allowed to travel anywhere we'd like. (Well in South America that is ha) I, along with three other friends from the group, chose to do a beach vacation to Rio de Janeiro! Beach days during our semester? Not sure how I was so blessed by that!

Our trip has been unforgettable. So many things fell into place despite potential challenges. For one, there's the language barrier. All four of us have been studying Spanish for the semester and we were thrown into a world of Portuguese for the week. We've gotten very good at hand motions and charades this week to communicate what we want and have learned to laugh at all of our mistakes and miscommunications. I never thought I would think that going back to a SPANISH speaking country would be considered "easy," but compared to Portuguese speaking Brazil, Uruguay will seem like a breeze.
It has also been a challenge to navigate the city on our own. Fortunately we got everywhere we wanted to go.

Lastly, there were the safety concerns. Rio really is not the theft-ridden, random gun-war incidents, crime-up-to-wazoo, scary place that people make it out to be. Yes, safety is very important. And yes, it does happen here. But what city doesn't?! This city has so much to offer, and it's a shame that many will not visit because of the supposed horrible crime. 99.9 percent of the locals are the sweetest people I have ever met, and it makes me sad to think that the other .1 percent that are out to get tourists ruin Rio's reputation. We experienced no problems nor witnessed any crime either. Thank you Jesus for smooth safe travels!

My favorite part of the trip was our tour of a favela. Favelas are Brazillian slums. How did I find myself in a Brazillian slum? Let me explain. We found an organization that allows you to spend a day in a favela in a safe and educational way. The organization isn't doing it as a business, they're doing it because they care about the people in the favelas and want to change people's thinking on the favelas and poverty in Brazil. I learned so much from my time in the favela. The people in the favelas are so kind and full of life. And, ironically enough, I felt safer in the favela than anywhere else in Rio. Sure, the favelas have problems. But don't we all? A day in the favela taught me many lessons, and unfortunately I don't know how to put them all in a blog right now. Also, I got to ride a motorcycle taxi! Dream come true lol.

Among other highlights from my time here: the exotic, incredible fruits and juices. the warmth of the people (Brazillians are my new favorite group of people!). seeing Rio de Janeiro's city lights from the top of Sugarloaf mountain. Christ the Redeemer statue. running up the steps of Lapa- steps made from thousands of unique tiles by an artist. drinking coconut water straight from the coconut on the beach. experiencing the beauty of the botanical gardens and Tijuca National Forest. Santa Teressa, the historical neighborhood with great architecture. Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. staying in a hostel with people from sooo many different countries, gotta love meeting international friends. art museums and local art as well. the bright colors and delicious tastes of Brazil.

Well, I guess that sums up my trip. Until next time!

Dad Daughter Week

Time for an update from Montevideo! I realize that often my blogging gets so caught up in my random ponderings that I don't explain the daily things I have been up to! So here's a brief update on my life the past couple weeks :)

Two weeks ago: We returned from our trip to Iguazu Falls in Brazil and hit the books for a week. (A whole week of class? Heaven forbid we study here! lol) We also had a visiting faculty from the education department at ACU, Mitzi Adams. It was wonderful having another American here for a while and getting to show here around!

This past week: MY DAD CAME TO URUGUAY! This was one of the highlights of my time here. We went to a beach called Punta del Este for the weekend- a great daddy daughter weekend! We saw wind surfers (I'm inspired to learn now! lol), seals, a live fish market, the harbor, beautiful beaches, and an art museum. My dad also got to try all the amazing Uruguay foods. The most challenging part of the weekend was having me for a translator! But I suppose it was good Spanish practice. After Punta del Este, he spent two days here in Montevideo. I was able to show him all of my favorite spots- the beach, the Plaza, the historic district, the rose gardens, the cemetery, churches, etc. Overall it was a great time with him here! I definitely enjoyed myself and I hope he did too. Call me biased, but I think it would be quite hard to not fall in love with this beautiful country ;)

The week to come: Tomorrow I'll be leaving for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for 10 days. I'm going with 3 other girls and we're planning beach hopping, taking the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, seeing the Christ the Redeemer statue, the National Park, art museums, and drinking a wholeeeee lot of Brazilian coffee and Guarana, the most wonderful soft drink known to mankind and native to Brazil. To say I'm ecstatic is an understatement :)

Until next time, besos y abrazos!

Dirt Versus Real Food

Bratty kids, we've all seen them. They scream in the supermarket line, cry in movie theaters, and whine in restaurants. Believe it or not, these kids exist worldwide, meaning they are just as present in South America as they are in the USA.

The other day, I witnessed a scene that (strangely enough) reminded me of our relationship with God. A toddler was playing in the dirt while his mother watched from a distance. The toddler picked up a big clod of dirt to put in his mouth. The mother, horrified, took the dirt away from the kid. The toddler bawled and screamed in protest. From what he could see, his mother was depriving him of something he wanted, the dirt. How could she take that away from him?! How dare she! The mother, of course, had a different, wiser view of the situation. She wasn't depriving her child, she was simply saving his taste buds and appetite for something much better- real food. She had better to offer him than that disgusting dirt clod.

This idea is so applicable to our own spiritual lives, isn't it? We're the bratty kid. We're sticking dirt in our mouths thinking we're going to enjoy it. God comes along and "deprives" us of that dirt because he has better in store.

So many times I question why God takes away. How could He deprive me of that relationship? How could he close the door on that job offer? Why would he take "fill-in-the-blank" away from me? But the truth is God takes away because he wants to offer us "real food." He's protecting us and giving us what is best for us. He "deprives" us of adultery to offer us monogamous, Biblical marriages. He "deprives" us of 10 percent of our income from tithing to offer us an opportunity to bless others and hold our possessions with an open hand. He may chose to replace one relationship for another, one job for another, or one opportunity with another. He's giving us "real food" through His will and plan for our lives. God takes away to give us something better.

How often do I miss this? How often do I react in frustration or anger, rather than seeing His taking away as a blessing? Now those are some humbling questions right there.

Breathe. Be Still. Be.

Breathe. Be still. Be. These three B’s are crucial to living a life of peace. They are commands I must tell myself about thirty times a day. Blame it on my high-energy personality; blame it on my culture; blame it on anything. No matter how I look at it, I have realized lately that I have a serious problem with being, with breathing, and with being still.

Since coming to South America, I have been learning grand lessons in this area of “being.” Cultural analysts have always asserted that American culture is all about doing and South American culture emphasizes being. The United States is marked with doing, going, and succeeding. North Americans’ are experts on finishing their to do list, getting the job promotion, multitasking, making the most money, and, of course, impeccable time management. None of these things are necessarily evil, but it causes us to forget the wonderful art of “being.”

Examples of South American’s “being” surround me. When I go to the rambla ("la rambla" is the area by the beach here), I don’t see people talking on their cell phones about business deals or walking briskly to their next appointment. The people at the rambla are sipping matte (Uruguay's version of tea... EVERYONE carries it around even on the streets!), chatting casually, flying kites, roller-skating, laying in the grass, and taking naps. Furthermore, I always take note that I am one of the few people who jogs along the beach while the rest of the crowd enjoys the ocean view. I love those runs, but my South American friends don't share that love for running. This is a mark of my American, high strung nature I suppose. When I pick up my laundry at G y G (the local laundromat around the corner from our house), the owners are not rushing around wildly to get their work done. Rather, they are enjoying their day and chatting with each other. Not having a million things going on at once allows them to greet their customers pleasantly and exchange stories from the day.

Westerners may mistake this "being" nature as laziness or inefficiency, but I see that this lifestyle is a positive approach. Being has benefits. It allows one to form relationships, a concept most Americans do not grasp well. It results in less stress and pressure than my culture. It creates an enjoyable life. I am learning three important B’s from my time here in South America: breath, be still, and be.

(As a side note, I was shown another blog recently that goes along with the idea of being. Zen Habits is all about simplicity and peace. Granted, the site has a Hindu/Buddhist/New Age vibe that I do not believe in, but when I look past that I think the site has some great insight into "being." The link is http://zenhabits.net/ for anyone interested!)

Our Daily Bread

Highlight of my time here in South America so far: This past week. Why? Well, in the past five days I was able to experience...

Iguazu Falls, a candidate for one of the seven natural wonders of the world

Holding a python

The black market in Paraguay

An Indian village

A colony of thousands of butterflies

Being in two countries at once, Argentina and Brazil

Standing in the mist of a huge waterfall

Rainbows

Hundreds of colorful birds and flowers

Almost having my lunch stolen by a cuati, the South American version of a racoon

Holding a macaw

White water rafting in the Parana River

A South American dance show

The best papaya I've ever had

And, best of all, fall more in love with God for his beautiful Creation through it all!

My trip to Iguazu Falls was unforgettable. One that particularly struck me was our visit to the Guarani Indian village, a tribe of Indians in Paraguay and Argentina today. Our tour guide explained to us that the Guarani live their lives thinking about the present time. They only prepare food for that day and there is not an emphasis on storing up material wealth. No one in this tribe is saving up for their retirement fund or planning dinner for next week.

This “living one day at a time” mentality allows them to enjoy their lives and have less stress or worry. As an American, I am so focused on the future that I often miss out on the wonderful experiences happening in front of me. As I write this, for example, I am stressing over my long weekend to-do list or dreaming about Christmas with my family in December or wondering what I will do after I graduate from ACU. Since I was young, I have been taught to look ahead, save my money, get a good education, and the like, all for my future. This future-oriented mindset is not always bad, but it does detract from “the now.”

As Christians, we are called to live in peace about the future. In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray “Give us this day our DAILY bread.” I believe that the Lord’s Prayer includes the word “daily” for a reason. We are not instructed to pray for food for tomorrow or the next day; we are told to ask for food for TODAY alone. By doing this, we are living in the moment and trusting that God will provide for our futures. We are given the freedom to live day by day without worry. The Guarani taught me a biblical lesson without even realizing it. In fact, most Guarani are repulsed by Christianity after being abused and taken over by Jesuit missionaries in the 1600's. The Mision is an excellent American movie on this sad crisis if you're interested. I was humbled by the fact that I learned this Christian principle from the Guarani, a tribe that does not practice Christianity. I hope to put this value into practice in my life by enjoying today and trusting in God for tomorrow.

The F Word... The Future

Hello friends!

First off, I should apologize that my blogging has been a bit lacking. This week has been one of schoolwork, schoolwork, and more schoolwork... with the occasional sun set on the beach thrown in the mix! (The picture on the left is taken from our favorite hill to watch the sun set. It's breathtaking to see!)

This week has included another event- planning our Spring semester classes in preparation for ACU registration. I'm going to be frank- I had been thoroughly deceived for eighteen years. Before going to college, the idea of making my own schedule, deciding on class times, picking my classes, etc. sounded so... exciting. I imagined it going something like this: "Well, I will sleep until noon every day (because of course I can opt out of morning classes), I will take classes like horseback riding and the history of cartoons (because obviously I get to pick my own classes), and I will take classes with my best friends (because of course their schedules will line up blissfully with mine)." Wow, was I silly or what? lol.

After planning my own schedule, I would chose other words to describe the experience. Stressful maybe? Confusing? Complicated? Let's be honest, I don't even know what I'm going to be doing tomorrow, how am I supposed to plan my classes for next JANUARY?! Of course all of this planning leads to hundreds of other questions. Will I graduate on time if I don't take this class now? Am I taking the right classes? Is this teacher hard? Blah blah blah. Class registration has a sneaky way of making me fret because it includes the dreaded F word... get your mind out of the gutter I'm talking about the Future. Thinking about my future, whether it be classes or deeper questions, can trouble all of us. The future is unclear often, and as humans we worry.

This morning, I was reflecting on this complicated process of "planning my future," whether it's class registration or deeper areas of life, and God really spoke to me. He's always got a wonderful way of doing that doesn't He?

Isaiah 42:16 says "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."
I don't think I've ever been hit by the full meaning of this verse until recently. As followers, God has PROMISED to lead us in every area of our lives! How incredible is that!

Tozer in his book Knowledge of the Holy (quite possibly the most eloquent, beautiful, insightful book on God's character, in my opinion) puts it profoundly. "With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack? Surely we are the most favored of all creatures."

So whether it's the uncertainty that comes with registering for classes next semester or much larger issues about the future, God will lead us through it all. What a relief that we can rest in Him and His plans for us! Because of His love and infinite wisdom, we can look to the future with hope, excitement, and joy, rather than dread or fear. We truly are "the most favored of all creatures," and praise be to Him for his faithfulness, both now and in our future paths!

Everything You Do Just Screams "I Love You"

"Everything You do just screams 'I love you,' and everything You are says 'I care'..."

This weekend our adventure was to La Paloma and Cabo Palonia a few hours outside of Montevideo. We spent our days walking the beaches and our nights making food and fire in our cozy cabin. While by the beautiful coast, I was listening to the song above by Cory Asbury (If you aren't familiar with his music, look it up! Mind-blowing good.) The words really spoke to me, especially while being surrounded by God's incredible creation.

The details of a tiny seashell. Horses. The ocean breeze. White sand dunes along blue beaches. Sea lions and whales. Shooting stars on the beach. Everything God does for us literally screams 'I love you.' And the best part is, He speaks to each of us personally. While I may be touched by the glittering sand, my friend may be touched by the seagulls floating through the air. God works to convey his love and power to each of us in a unique way.

I'm reminded of Psalm 8:3-5...
"When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower
than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor."

The Creator CHOOSES to love us uniquely. What a humbling, frightening, beautiful thought. It's not because we're great, it's because He is. With such a great God, how could we not want to respond?

If I had it my way Cory Asbury would sing a second version of his chorus at the end of the song. The chorus would say "May everything I do just scream 'I love You' and may everything I am say 'I care'..." I'm a longgggg way off from this goal, but it's what we are made to do and God is patient. May everything we do, say, act, create, think, breath, believe, hope in, and are show God our love.

Welcome to NYC: Spanish Edition

Hello wonderful friends!

Yesterday I arrived back in Montevideo after spending some time in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Population: 13 million. Food: the BEST I have ever eaten. People: highly fashionable. Girls: look like models off the runway. Buildings: very European and GINORMOUS. Art: unmatched. If you couldn't tell, I liked the city just a tiny bit ;) lol

Our time was spent touring major areas of the city. I thought I would break up the trip by neighborhood.
DOWNTOWN: Downtown reminded me of New York with its bustling streets, bright lights, and skyscrapers galore. Our hotel was only ten minutes away from the widest avenue (but not highway) in the WORLD, Avenida 9 de Julio. Any guesses how wide it is? 16 whopping lanes plus huge medians and side streets. This street is massive!
LA BOCA: This neighborhood has become a tourist area but started as a poor area for immigrants. It is still home to many immigrants living in colorful, tin houses and abounds with art, culture, local flavor, and bright colors! We also saw tango dancers here! Fitting as Argentina is the home to tango!
PLAZA DE MAYO: This historical district included the Casa Rosada, the president's house, and it really is pink. Now THAT'S my kind of city lol.
Here I also learned about Argentina's dark, corrupt, but fascinating political and economic background. Argentina was controlled by a military dictatorship a few decades ago and also experienced an economic collapse in 2001. The most interesting part to me was the Madres de Plaza de Mayo. This is a group women who still meet regularly in protest and in search of their children who were kidnapped during the military dictatorship. The corrupt dictatorship imprisoned, tortured, and killed around 30,000 "suspicious" citizens and the government is still finding mass graves around the city. Some of the children, however, survived and are being reunited with families today. I'm probably not explaining all the aspects to this conspiracy correctly but it's fascinating. You can read more about it at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madres_de_Plaza_de_Mayo. The wonders of Wikipedia yes?
Hearing Argentina's history made me so grateful that I was able to grow up in a country with generally stable politics and economics. It also made me realize how little I know about world events! How did I not know about Argentina's economic collapse that happened only nine years ago?? It was a humbling reminder to me that America is NOT the center of the world!
PALERMO: The fashion district with classy boutiques. I'm not going to lie, I may have lusted over some of those thousand dollar clothing items! haha. I also had the best coffee in my nineteen years of life in Palermo. Aroma brand coffee with dulce de leche (a rich caramel flavor) ice cream mixed into it!
RECOLETA: This neighborhood featured a huge, beautiful cemetery, cute high rise apartments, a beach front view, and the Flores Generica, an incredible flower sculpture that opens and closes depending on the time of day!
THE PORT: The port area features the Women's Bridge, a architectural wonder. It also features many yachts and highrises and was beautiful at night. The nigth we went there were a handful of Argentine couples getting their wedding pictures taken in front of the bridge!

My time in Buenos Aires was filled with incredible sights, delicious tastes, and memories to last a lifetime. I wish I could explain the sights more thoroughly but if anyone is interested there are pictures on Facebook.

The Value of Silence

“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.” -Mother Teresa

This past weekend I was able to travel a couple hours away from the city to an Alianza, the Spanish word for farm. Immediately, I noticed the stark contrast between the bustling, boisterous city and the serene, silent farmlands. Don't get me wrong, I'm a city girl at heart. But having a day out in nature was quite relaxing and much needed!

We spent the day riding horses, swimming, exploring, and of course eating delicious carne y cafe. Riding horses among lakes and rolling hills was the highlight of the day for me. Something about riding horses in the silence of nature allowed me to think more clearly. It was one of those peaceful moments that are hard to duplicate in the unsleeping city. I agree with Mother Teresa, often silence is necessary to find God. And this silence does not just come from retreating to a quiet location like a farm, it comes from shutting our mouths and listening for God as well. Something I have never learned well! We can take some good lessons from God's Creation... it is still and quiet. I've never heard a flower protest or a kangaroo complain or a mountain gossip. A lot of good can come from that silence. I'm so thankful that I was able to experience this for one day out on the Alianza.

On Friday, our group will be traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina for a week! No silence for us in this city of 10 million people! haha. I hope to come back with some great stories and pictures. Until then, hugs friends!

TOMS: Reason #290,390,698 why Uruguay is Awesome

TOMS shoes. One of my favorite companies/causes on planet earth. I'm a fan to say the least. I learned some interesting history behind TOMS yesterday that made me love this country all the more.
The design of TOMS shoes originates from a popular shoe design from the Argentina/Uruguay area called alpargatas. Alpargatas were well known in the area wayyy before TOMS and look very similar. When Blake, the founder of TOMS, traveled through Argentina in 2006, he saw that the children had no shoes to wear and, therefore, designed his company's shoes after the shoes from that region.
So not only can Uruguay boast of its amazing food, beaches, and coffee, they can also boast of having the original design for TOMS! Best yet, the TOMS famous sky blue and white striped logo/flag looks strikingly similar to the Uruguayan and Argentine flags. Coincidence? No way.

A (Not So) Typical Day in My Life

Warning: this post could be a bit dry, but it is still important. Today I thought I would go through a typical day in the life of me, a study abroad-er. (How's THAT for conceited! Kidding.) I realize that I have been posting mostly about specific experiences, but I think its important to explain what I have generally been up to here as well.

My day starts with breakfast, often cooked by our amazing cook Raquel, whom I am convinced has the power to make anything she touches melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and (rarely) Fridays I have classes during the day. My classes include 11 hrs of Spanish a week (talk about a headache at times... but SO good for me!), one Bible missions class (probably my favorite), a Latin American studies class, and an online literature class. The best part about classes is that they are so applicable to where I am living now. For the first time in my life, I WANT to learn Spanish and WANT to learn about this country's history. It matters because it's where I am. Lunch is cooked by Raquel and provide a nice break from class. Classes are typically done by 4 or 5 every day.

After that time, various activities consume my evening. On Mondays, we have movie night as a group. This past week we watched Stranded, a documentary about the Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashed in the Andes mountains in the 70's. Wednesday nights, another student and I head up an English conversation club at the Alianza, a school that teaches English to locals. A group of locals come and we literally just talk to them for an hour to improve their English. We have so enjoyed this time and have gotten to know locals! Thursday nights, we do a second English conversation service, this time at the church next door. These are similar to the Alianza, except they are faith based. We have the locals read the gospels and try to incorporate Christian values into the conversation.

On weekends and free weeknights, we usually explore the bustling city. Whether it be going down the the beach to jog, drinking cortados at a local cafe, doing homework (what? we actually study here?! haha), hanging out with the teens from the local church, or finding a local event such as a concert or market, there is always something exciting to do. Sunday mornings, I am hoping to attend a church not far from the casa. Last week was my first week there, and I loved it! How amazing is it that a service in another language can still have such an impact on my spiritual walk? God is good.

That is a typical day in my life this semester. Typical isn't the best word to use, however, because every day holds something different. It is nearly impossible to have a "regular schedule." We take many trips outside the country, feildtrips within the city, or attend random events that change up everything. For example, tomorrow we are spending the day a couple hours away from Montevideo to ride horses and swim! Pray I don't fall off of the horse and I will write again soon! Chao amigos!

Beauty in Death

The last activity I pictured myself doing on a warm Sunday afternoon in Montevideo was going to a cemetery. I guess I envisioned my afternoon being composed of beaches, street markets, and coffee, the objects that shape most of my afternoons here in this beautiful country. This afternoon, however, my awesome (and I really do mean awesome) teacher and friend Ronnie Rama has brought three of us students to the cemetery.
Why are we here? Well, several reasons.

One, for the sake of history. There is much to learn about this country's view on death and burial. Cemeteries in Uruguay, and many South American countries, are nothing like the cemeteries in the states. Here, families buy plots of land and a corresponding wall space to be buried together. Each plot of land features a statue, monument, house, or other structure unique to that family. Also, the bodies are stored in the thick walls of the cemetery, the families' wall space, for two years. After those two years, they are removed, compressed, and put into the plots of land. The system is very interesting but makes sense. Ronnie also taught us about the typical "symbols of death" and what they represent. For example, an upside down burning torch found on many tombs represents the light on the other side, or life after death. An hourglass with wings represents the concept "time flies." Who knew cemetery symbolism could be so interesting.

Secondly, put best in the words of Ronnie, "visiting a cemetery can be life-affirming." Being in the presence of thousands of dead affirms that you are alive. It reminds me that life is short. We are living in the dot with the line of eternity ahead of us. We are breathing. We are walking. We are experiencing life. And we should experience this short moment to the fullest.

Third reason, for the sake of art. Each grave is a work of art- full of symbolism, sculptures, inscriptions, design, and intricate architecture. In a strange way, the cemetery is beautiful. Beauty can be found in death because each monument represents the unique life and accomplishments of an individual. The graves are nothing like graves in the states, cookie cutter tombstones that seem to have come from a magazine. (I wonder what a magazine for tombstones is called... Tombstones R' Us? How awkward.) Acres upon acres of large sculptures. A morbid art museum. It is awesome, once you get past the fact that you are surrounded by thousands of skeletons.

Overall, this outing gave me insight into the country's beliefs on death and a view of some fantastic sculptures. Most of all, I was reminded that I am alive and should be using this precious life for God's glory and to spread His name!

Don't worry, the rest of my Sunday was filled with less morbid events, like drinking cortados and inhaling absolutely fantastic desert at a local restaurant. Until next time!

"I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together." The Importance of Community and the Golden Rule

The Golden Rule. Anyone raised in a church setting has been taught to "do unto others and you would have them do unto you" since they were teething on the toys in the church nursery. Sadly, this has not resulted in us practicing it well in the American church.

My friends of Montevideo are teaching me a valuable lesson. One that I by no means practice adequately, and may not my whole life, but hope to become better at. That is the lesson of sharing and putting others first.

Ronnie Rama, one of the wonderful ACU teachers on our trip who was raised in Uruguay, shared a popular Uruguayan tradition with me. He said that in Uruguay most people knock on the doors of houses with their feet rather than their fists. When I pressed him further about why people knock with their feet he said, "Because their hands are full. They have brought something to share with the people inside the house."

This is SO true of the people of Montevideo! They are continual givers. They care deeply for their friends and community. They meet the needs of the group as a whole before their own needs. My first day here, Ronnie treated us to cortados (amazing Uruguayan lattes) and panchos (hot dogs with a white mustard... like ball park franks on ridiculously delicious tasting steroids). I thought this act was strange, in a good way of course. The next day, one of our new friends, Martin, bought the group Coke and chips to share. Contrary to American custom, he never once mentioned "you owe me something the next time" or "this is only going to happen once so you better appreciate it."

It both amazes and saddens me that this country (with the highest rate of atheism in all of South America) practices the Golden Rule better than the American church. And I'm at the forefront of this terrible movement! I hope my time in Montevideo allows me to grow in my understanding of putting others first and giving. Because it is what we're called to do. And, honestly, isn't it all God's anyways?

Oh and, by the way, you owe me something for reading this blog...
Kidding! :)

In Love Already...

Chivitos. Matte. La Rambla. Cortados. Colonia 2073.

It's amazing how quickly you are forced to remember words, addresses, and food names when you need to know them to survive!

After a two and a half hour bus ride to Dallas, ten hour flight to Buenos Aires, three hour layover, and one hour flight to Montevideo, we arrived safe and sound. The last two days have been a blur of jet lag, new sights, delicious tastes, and exhaustion.

Since arriving, we have settled into our new home, Casa ACU. The building is downtown and features many dorm rooms, class rooms, a huge kitchen, computer lab, and courtyard. The building used to be a coffee factory in the 1900's. It is stunning. Marble walls, unique architecture, lots of glass and tile, wireless internet (very handy).

The people around me have been a total blessing. We have nine girls and one boy on the trip. There is also one visiting faculty member, Ronnie Rama, and the hosts, the Walkers. Ronnie grew up in Uruguay and is a teacher from ACU. Wimon and Rosalinda Walker have both taught at ACU and live in Montevideo to head up the Study Abroad program here. I know by the end of this experience I will consider these people my second family.

A large theme for this weekend (and I'm predicting the whole trip): FOOD. Uruguay prides itself in its meat selection, empanadas filled with dulce de leche- a carmel like substance, coffee (which is the best I've ever had hands down), and matte (a tea). I will have to do a whole blog just on food in the future because it is the best I have ever had hands down!

We were given a tour of the beach and many parts of the city this weekend. The city is much different than I was expecting, in a good way! I think I was expecting something less European, more dangerous, and smaller. Much of the architecture looks like it comes out of a European travel guide. It reminds me of a Spanish NYC at times- huge, lots of buses and taxis, bustling, hot dog stands, and very fast paced. The people look quite European too, ligher complexions and some have blonde hair. So, unless I talk in my English or horrible broken Spanish, I don't stick out as bad as expected haha.

I attempted some Spanish conversation tonight with the church members from the church connected to Casa ACU. Fail lol. I'm hoping that, by the end of the trip, I will look back on tonight and think "Wow I've come far in my Spanish skills!" Crossing my fingers!

There is so much more I could say, but for the sake of not boring everyone I will stop there. I have posted an album of pictures on Facebook if anyone is interested in seeing pictures you can see them there!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1658471&id=1155468857#!/album.php?aid=76384&id=1155468857&ref=mf

All to say I'm in love already with Montevideo. I love you all!

A Town Reunions

Before making my way to South America, I was able to spend an absolutely precious week with my ACU friends in Abilene, Texas! It has been a week full of high pitched squealing, ten minute long hugs, and endless chatting after the long summer. A sweet reunion with the people who made my freshman year unforgettable. The feeling I get at ACU is like sitting in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate and a good book in the winter. It feels right and warm and never fails to make me smile.

This week has also been what I would call a... humbling experience. No way of transportation, no place to stay, no meal plan, and no clear plans all week have stretched me and made me more flexible, or so I hope. It's been difficult having to depend on other people for my everyday needs, but a great reminder that God will always work out details to provide for His children! God, the Creator of the world and orchestrator of our lives, can certainly handle whether or not I make it to Rosa's for Taco Tuesdays. And if I don't make it to Rosa's for a feast of tortillas and guacamole for only $3, I think I will survive and my stomach will eventually forgive me.

I, along with nine other ACU students and some staff, leave tomorrow mid day for Montevideo. This is my last day in the USA until December. My last day in an English speaking population, last chance to grab a Starbucks, and last day of being bombarded by text messages and phone calls (I can't say that I'm too heartbroken about not having to deal with that for four months). Please pray that our group has safe and smooth travels to Uruguay. Until next time America, peace out!

Different Title Than Introduction Because That's Just Unoriginal...

I'm Jocelyn.
I'm 19.
I'm blonde, blessed, and addicted to soy lattes, gum, and Jesus.
In one week, I will be setting out on the adventure of a lifetime.
Four months in South America.
As you can see from the picture on the left, I guess you could say I'm a little excited.

I'll start off by saying that I'm not an eloquent writer or a deep pool of knowledge. With that said, I do hope to use this blog to share what I'm experiencing with those who want to read! I hope to post pictures, tell the lessons I'm learning by God's grace, and proclaim the mighty ways I know God will work through the students going (because He loves to use broken people who are willing to serve and because He's just plain AWESOME).

Aprovecha el momento... Seize the moment.
I hope to live by this beautiful phrase during my time abroad!
Happy reading friends...