Sunday, September 12, 2010

A Whole New World

Haha yes I do know that this a very corny song from Aladdin, but I like it. I also realize that most of my song choices have been about discovering a new place but I have only been here 2 weeks and I am constantly learning new things.
A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming

A whole new world
Every turn a surprise
With new horizons to pursue
Every moment gets better 
Being in Uruguay is awesome and I love it and the culture, but I think the best part of the culture is the people, and the different point of view they bring to this world. Uruguayan people are very gracious, loving, and patient. Three traits that are very welcoming to a foreigner who is having their spanish skills seriously tested. I have made some very great friends at the church next door with ages ranging from 10-21. They are all wonderful and always super excited to see you, and it makes going to church a 100 times better :).
Well some of us have made a habit of shooting pool every Saturday night with some of the guys from church, which has been a lot of fun. Last night was the best because they played all 90s American songs, so basically a lot of Madonna, Guns and Roses, and Celine Dion. One fun thing we did this past week as an entire group was to visit the Palacio Legislativo, the Legislative Palace, which is like our Congress building. Although the United States Congress Building is a lot bigger than the Uruguayan Congress building, the Uruguayan Congress is absolutely stunning! Everything is made of pure marble or Uruguayan granite, with beautiful, Greek inspired paintings and mosaics. It was such a huge surprise but was totally awesome.
Another really cool thing I got to participate in was teaching English conversation classes at the church every Thursday night. We didn't have a lot of people show up, but I got to help one of the church elders improve his English and it was really encouraging and exciting to see the difference I made in his ability to speak English. I can't wait for this weeks class, because I personally invited a guy I met on the bus Saturday who spoke some English and is always wanting some practice, sooo I hope he comes!
And after a busy week we had the privilege to go to an estancia (farm) about 1.5 hours away. It was absolutely gorgeous weather the entire day and we were able to work out, ride horses, have a delicious lunch, swim, and have a delicious snack! (if you haven't picked up from my previous blogs there is always food here and it is ALWAYS delicious!) Overall, it was a lot of fun and truly relaxing. 
Well after a somewhat selfish weekend, today (sunday) a group of us are going to an orphanage to shower some love on some children. I am somewhat nervous, but really excited to show these children that we love them and even more there is a God that loves them unconditionally, soo pray that it goes well :)
I hope everyone is doing well and you are all in my prayers. Please pray that everyone will stay healthy on this trip and that we will continue to learn more and more while we are here, also some help with not craving mexican food ( i miss it alot :( haha )
Dios le bendice (God bless you)

Thursday, September 2, 2010

"Wide Open Spaces"

"A young girl's dream no longer hollow
It takes the shape of a place out west
But what it holds for her, she hasn't yet guessed
She needs wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistakes
She needs new faces"

If you don't know this song you should, because it is one of my favorite Dixie Chicks songs. I feel like this song definitely embraced my outlook for this past week. One of the places I have always wanted to go has been South America. So when I had the chance to go to South America, and to have it fit in my degree plan was a dream come true. However, I still have no idea what this trip holds for me, and I have no idea where I will go, and if I will be able to do all the things I want to. But, I am going to have a great time and meet lots of new people and probably make some mistakes.... Correction, I will make mistakes....I have already made some mistakes and will most likely make more :) heehee.  This week has been a good first week. All my classes are really small, ranging between 3 and 10 people, and they are all really interesting and conversation based. While I am here I am taking an Old Testament Bible class, Advanced Spanish conversation, Latin American Studies, Multicultural Education Perspectives, and Latin American Art. I am really excited about all of them! Already the entire group is starting to feel like a local Uruguayan from drinking cortados (half cafe and half creamy foam) at the local cafes, taking the bus to the mall, going to La Rambla (the local beach), and going to la Iglesia (church) and going down to La Ferreria (the large street market) downtown with the youth group. Overall a very good week of trying to be a local. Now, just looking forward to a good weekend! love all of you!