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! :)
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!
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!
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...
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.
