tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5064920730234233022024-02-07T09:06:47.652-08:00Michaela in ArgentinaMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-80094024712650959572009-08-22T12:17:00.000-07:002009-08-22T12:30:51.690-07:00The EndThank you to everyone who supported me this summer, whether financially, in prayer or simply by being my friend. This summer will always go down in Michaela History has the summer unlike any other. The experiences I had were truly priceless.<br /><br />My flights home went smoothly. I was surprised at the airport in Kansas City by my boyfriend Kurt. After debriefing at Avant Ministries, Kurt & I drove up to Downers Grove, Illinois, his home town. I got to spend two weeks with his family in Illinois & in Wisconsin at their lake house. Kurt & I then made the drive down to Tallahassee. <br /><br />All in all, this summer I visited/traveled through: North Carolina, Virginia, California, Minnesota, Missouri, Georgia, Chile, Argentina, Illinois, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama & Florida!<br /><br />I am currently adjusting to being back home. I have moved into my new house, gotten things in line for school starting Monday & caught up with friends. <br /><br />Again thank you for your support & for following this blog.<br />~Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-90128034413562506902009-07-28T19:30:00.000-07:002009-07-28T19:52:18.967-07:00It was the night before departure...My bags are packed, clothes laid out & alarm clock set! I don't think it'll hit me that I'm actually leaving until I step out of the car at the airport tomorrow morning. But I am really excited! I told one of my friends here that I'm going to kiss the ground when I got off the plane in Atlanta, haha.<br /><br />I really enjoyed my last week here though. Yesterday some young people from church throw me a goodbye party =D! It's sad to think that just as I was beginning to finally make friends I'm leaving. But apparently I'll get to see several of them again tomorrow morning. A couple are coming to the house around 8am to say goodbye, others are meeting us at the airport! =)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2TPFimsulKXFvD-Ug92C-LZPYDorIxODBuM6JuxBKCo_C88WGNrm8TMiJAF6W5YSinfcYwxObBIWWWi8qnLMAjjtsEw-7tZr3LRMmcsxIY76hzi_-f2D33CGgnZozcmxClUv9-_LVdZN/s1600-h/IMG_5038-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2TPFimsulKXFvD-Ug92C-LZPYDorIxODBuM6JuxBKCo_C88WGNrm8TMiJAF6W5YSinfcYwxObBIWWWi8qnLMAjjtsEw-7tZr3LRMmcsxIY76hzi_-f2D33CGgnZozcmxClUv9-_LVdZN/s320/IMG_5038-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363709079586456546" /></a>In my last blog I was going to do a recap of sorts but because it hasn't hit me yet that I'm leaving I don't think I can do it justice. Hopefully after debriefing in Kansas City, I can.<br /><br />I'm so thankful to have had these 9 weeks in Argentina. I can't wait to see every one & tell more stories in person. Thank you so much to everyone who helped me in any way in this adventure =D. <br /><br />11:35am depart from Mendoza to Santiago, Chile<br />7 hour layover in Santiago<br />8pm depart for Atlanta, Georgia<br />6am arrive<br />7:25am depart for Kansas City, MO (hope i don't miss this flight)<br />8:30am arrive in KS<br /><br />Homeward Bound,<br />Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-84304875123762759162009-07-22T08:12:00.000-07:002009-07-22T08:21:07.660-07:00"Michaela, Michaela, wake up!!""...It's snowing in Mendoza!"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfQw2_IJIKOtgtT64Kw6cnO0gyOrr5eFAvhAGjkUZkKTs0dUyiW-H7AajSjvf7xj5V2nwgdDNyucq4XT_BXh4qsVro6S6ixs62SmWnu9zvHT-e2TdRumFF2QClwSl609pZMtJDjFlxzpr/s1600-h/IMG_2920.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfQw2_IJIKOtgtT64Kw6cnO0gyOrr5eFAvhAGjkUZkKTs0dUyiW-H7AajSjvf7xj5V2nwgdDNyucq4XT_BXh4qsVro6S6ixs62SmWnu9zvHT-e2TdRumFF2QClwSl609pZMtJDjFlxzpr/s320/IMG_2920.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361303572451000434" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5vI4QXJP5A2z82-HOV_kFeACrYqoclCO5QleJsyyAgr2JlC7gGQqnrMkRIHBd6GRGaXZfU58oLagDWpo3KhD3qQ3m2I3ItYc4hzd8Au4uB0uwJYwrfC3L7hzfReeYhKBUuAvqPOL63pH/s1600-h/IMG_2918.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5vI4QXJP5A2z82-HOV_kFeACrYqoclCO5QleJsyyAgr2JlC7gGQqnrMkRIHBd6GRGaXZfU58oLagDWpo3KhD3qQ3m2I3ItYc4hzd8Au4uB0uwJYwrfC3L7hzfReeYhKBUuAvqPOL63pH/s320/IMG_2918.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361304013342209810" /></a><br />As rare as it is in Mendoza, it was indeed snowing! Beth & I ran outside before the sun had risen & took photos. After sleeping another hour or so I woke up & took some more. About the 4th time I've seen snow & certainly the 1st time I've seen it in July!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SJ4fctEBqKkZrUXLnheRQ-r0y4jdubC89SJy5JoyM04-6tMQGaienF2hB5GLq5R_xXtXdeUbXm07qGy-zZ6hb9OqSEClfOxpo-JuRYZCjX8YcNThUCaBTTV-LFR2bQtcfjsJ5AwjK8Kr/s1600-h/IMG_5014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SJ4fctEBqKkZrUXLnheRQ-r0y4jdubC89SJy5JoyM04-6tMQGaienF2hB5GLq5R_xXtXdeUbXm07qGy-zZ6hb9OqSEClfOxpo-JuRYZCjX8YcNThUCaBTTV-LFR2bQtcfjsJ5AwjK8Kr/s320/IMG_5014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361304385610117826" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DGNVgIDWqHWOOvci6DgWNB4ln5AucgrEn2ZmEBx1rD13F7SmTAgdHiAgtb6d2qI7IhJlQwM5Ha_tf9E0zpD70x02dBlIFjkyXMPBXO1rkix4M9OIjwACeqngp-_ym1n9rdNSCIz9S6SA/s1600-h/IMG_5013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DGNVgIDWqHWOOvci6DgWNB4ln5AucgrEn2ZmEBx1rD13F7SmTAgdHiAgtb6d2qI7IhJlQwM5Ha_tf9E0zpD70x02dBlIFjkyXMPBXO1rkix4M9OIjwACeqngp-_ym1n9rdNSCIz9S6SA/s320/IMG_5013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361304384278496578" /></a><br />Now if only I can experience a tremor before I leave! =)<br />Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-27848760419136136622009-07-21T11:27:00.000-07:002009-07-21T14:26:35.198-07:00End in sightThe end of my stay here is in sight. 7 more full days! I have mixed feelings. I miss home, I miss my family & my close friends. However, the challenges I face here make me view myself, the future, the people around me & the world in general, in a new light. I like the new perspective I am gaining. As much as I have often despised the amount of down time I have here, it has allowed me to sort through several things in my life. Many of which were long over due. I don't want to allow myself again to become so emerged in the grind of school & work that I neglect seeking, questioning, writing, etc. <br />God gives us life, not just to live in order to get from one day to the next, but to live in FULL. Alive! Aware, learning, stretching, being transformed by the renewing of our minds. I don't want to fall back into patterns I have had at home. <br /><br />Over the past few days, Beth & I have had so many incredible conversations. We are discovering how extremely alike we are & having fun bouncing stories about ourselves back & forth & comparing how we have handled certain situations. She has offered me a lot of useful advice, some I couldn't have gotten from any of my peers. It is certain, these 2 months have taught me the importance of having friendships with older people. People who are willing to be honest & willing to shed light on areas of life you have not yet discovered or fully understood. I hope to invest more in these types of friendships when I return home.<br /><br />I visited the barrio I mentioned in my previous post, Barrio Esejo. It was, as I expected, an eye opening experience. Sure, you can read stories & view pictures about the poverty in the world, but nothing equals the experience & knowledge you gain from seeing those places with your own eyes, hugging & kissing the people or smelling the odor they live in every day. It was humbling. Claudia has an amazing compassion for reaching these people, especially the young people. After inroducting me to the boys & girls there she would explain to me their stories, tell me which drug they smelt like, why they had resorted to them & how she hoped to help them. It was heart renching to meet the 12 & 14 year old drug dealers. & heart renching to meet their younger siblings, who unless helped, will most likely fall into the same traps in life. Please pray for Claudia & her ministry to the drug addicts.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHW5lGu10F7ibZfejT7sRxnX1LwYV4AZPXZvv4UwaD5K-fJyN9aOEuYifnsPBvIQeT_LkAn3EQ8wOQ6XDQT1sTy_ieJfywBlGK1MI-nO6RcRQnv0Zo4vmwX7gpnB-y_7BV3bhuFtqAjPN/s1600-h/IMG_4938.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHW5lGu10F7ibZfejT7sRxnX1LwYV4AZPXZvv4UwaD5K-fJyN9aOEuYifnsPBvIQeT_LkAn3EQ8wOQ6XDQT1sTy_ieJfywBlGK1MI-nO6RcRQnv0Zo4vmwX7gpnB-y_7BV3bhuFtqAjPN/s320/IMG_4938.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361026778771525970" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmDVGgkzI5aZnLbWpSqtHw3D6ZWBElNQVjNf652i_ku0WDYuIhvGzXbGLh_bp7Dmn3af6e5PESqQmNcLyFW8KOy2TSdWQ7_kIiKNsbjFLXupo0vWLQIa9WMcNqdC7H59h0prnkFNsT2OZ/s1600-h/IMG_4977.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmDVGgkzI5aZnLbWpSqtHw3D6ZWBElNQVjNf652i_ku0WDYuIhvGzXbGLh_bp7Dmn3af6e5PESqQmNcLyFW8KOy2TSdWQ7_kIiKNsbjFLXupo0vWLQIa9WMcNqdC7H59h0prnkFNsT2OZ/s320/IMG_4977.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361026773776643698" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44-7IvNiYBoz6VROS8vHDgaRhyphenhyphenkx_m2kxbDNBoGZzCT0Qu5DnN9Tkt9pvbPbvHkI8FaD5t-IiD0Q9btHjgeHkWt9mrIsWZFvUrIKkI_jctm8ajJYd82uAnv3py6azutb5-acy6niZQVOb/s1600-h/IMG_4969.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44-7IvNiYBoz6VROS8vHDgaRhyphenhyphenkx_m2kxbDNBoGZzCT0Qu5DnN9Tkt9pvbPbvHkI8FaD5t-IiD0Q9btHjgeHkWt9mrIsWZFvUrIKkI_jctm8ajJYd82uAnv3py6azutb5-acy6niZQVOb/s320/IMG_4969.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361025376031299250" /></a><br />Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-17442256637971211302009-07-15T17:24:00.000-07:002009-07-17T15:33:02.590-07:00Cacheuta & 2 decades of lifeThe past 4 days were incredible. Along with the other leaders of Corazones Abiertos, Beth & I went up to a place in the Andes called Cacheuta. The cabañas we stayed in were surrounded by beathtaking mountains & crystal clear rivers. A truly refreshing change of pace & scenery. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28wcC-vZ1OP08GUq6oIP44KU_CNKJDpnBrrl4qZZIjKHGTcYvF0dKR016wg05zdAKOEZiKUlOpZn0KauNGlGbNLozaJcf107szfLRhpWXU9cUvmm3G6e8z0XEu18g5U82X5bE1fmPldNr/s1600-h/IMG_4618.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28wcC-vZ1OP08GUq6oIP44KU_CNKJDpnBrrl4qZZIjKHGTcYvF0dKR016wg05zdAKOEZiKUlOpZn0KauNGlGbNLozaJcf107szfLRhpWXU9cUvmm3G6e8z0XEu18g5U82X5bE1fmPldNr/s320/IMG_4618.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358862093430342034" /></a><br />The first couple days the ladies held meetings. A few of which I participated in, others during which I went exploring. The meetings I participated in were really great. I finally got to see some of the inner workings of Corazones Abiertos. It is truly a powerful ministry. I find it unfortunate that there are so few ministries similar to it. I was encouraged in learning many stories of God's healing power in the lives of the ladies there. I was also challenged to examine myself & I realized new areas inwhich I need healing & transformation. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaljp1N-p36abdrrUYN4fJIykzfvF-MDdly2PAFfKSMKN-9chzXVssmi4-nStO8Jiq06sUmMRKGHxcOvGiwPcTZBsQwnecdfNY_urTSOeznMSav6EemQZaA8cMddnTnjJhAT8Oqkg2-o3z/s1600-h/IMG_4831-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaljp1N-p36abdrrUYN4fJIykzfvF-MDdly2PAFfKSMKN-9chzXVssmi4-nStO8Jiq06sUmMRKGHxcOvGiwPcTZBsQwnecdfNY_urTSOeznMSav6EemQZaA8cMddnTnjJhAT8Oqkg2-o3z/s320/IMG_4831-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358862897102505650" /></a><br />During one of the meetings Monday, I decided to climb a mountain. My Florida eyes did not do my surroundings justice. It was not until I started the climb (literally on all 4s at times) that I began to realize the scale & magnificance of what was before & around me. When I reached my destination - the top - I sat for a long time, thinking on things like: how much water it must have taken for the world to be completely flooded, what the earth must look like from the perspective of a bird & how it is that I am able to pray to the Creater of the heavens & the earth.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRA4GxHO_xfHK9xrkVdfRhyphenhyphen9OwHIGqUnnHaW3Iy8tidJIK30K0f8wmd3_3S9GAsUSqlK8LwO4Nsoeeh8zTVeBd9d8x6GqrYdPr_XPhjSOaknt2SWgGqRMl7Cs7U_XpafjppZn9Pci8sY2/s1600-h/IMG_4801.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRA4GxHO_xfHK9xrkVdfRhyphenhyphen9OwHIGqUnnHaW3Iy8tidJIK30K0f8wmd3_3S9GAsUSqlK8LwO4Nsoeeh8zTVeBd9d8x6GqrYdPr_XPhjSOaknt2SWgGqRMl7Cs7U_XpafjppZn9Pci8sY2/s320/IMG_4801.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358861188722670770" /></a><br />Tuesday, was my birthday & I was convinced 10 minutes after waking up to walk with Pablito, the 14 year old son of one of the women there, to see how much it cost to go horse back riding. Reluctantly I went...it's so cold in the morning, I hadn't eaten & it's especially tough for me to communicate in another language in the morning! Pablito was full of questions. He kept asking me things I either didn't understand or didn't know how to answer. I found it odd that he kept wanting to show me random things & take the long route of walking for everything. But when I arrived back to the cabaña, I discovered a wonderful surprise brunch from all the ladies! It was so sweet of them. It nearly brought me to tears. They even had a little bag full of gifts for me. One of which was a 850g bar of white chocolate!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70CNlpUAbbxEc5NUSHpKkIxlvGzQX2_2dlCzzWWVJ860damx8OEckwcSA8Tlq4NXXAhGwBzVar5C7G4UmzDHehn0rvdWILJ2eUrdlL9i4aYHbxRanwu9va8dDQbHypBqzQ5JfDLqy-jdf/s1600-h/IMG_4833-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70CNlpUAbbxEc5NUSHpKkIxlvGzQX2_2dlCzzWWVJ860damx8OEckwcSA8Tlq4NXXAhGwBzVar5C7G4UmzDHehn0rvdWILJ2eUrdlL9i4aYHbxRanwu9va8dDQbHypBqzQ5JfDLqy-jdf/s320/IMG_4833-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358860149327278802" /></a><br />I had a wonderful birthday! I missed sharing it with family & friends, but for it being a birthday in another country, with a bunch of people I hardly know, I couldn't have asked for anything better. =) I believe out of all the time I have spent here thus far, I have been the most content & at peace these past few days. Thank you for your prayers =).<br /><br />I have a special prayer request for this comming weekend. One of the CA leaders, Claudia, has an incredible story. She & her husband were a drug dealers for many years. Now a Christian, Claudia chose to leave her husband who, although dying of AIDS, continually abused her physically. She now has a ministry to drug addicts. She regularly visits very poor barrios (neighborhoods) to minister. I asked her if I could go & she said I can this Saturday. It is dangerous to visit these barrios unless you are familiar to the people there or you go with someone who is. Claudia understands the lifestyle of the people & is respected by many. She has instructed me to wear the trashiest clothes I have, to not wear jewerly or anything that would draw attention & to hide my camera until she gives the "ok" to take photos.<br />I desire to see how these people live, to gain a better understanding of reality. I know by going, my perspective in life will be challenged.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0NZUfISLtx6solQpTFyFc_nynmfgOb6jlHVKnVXKfleDV7IMNb2qAYsHX7GElltbSGrdXxaxsBszfRGykrcRyk5xlCH-kvIpFXtde62oh62bUmPPNksLZ-jeqkjGP03ihOTpUAVQD5jy/s1600-h/IMG_4730.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0NZUfISLtx6solQpTFyFc_nynmfgOb6jlHVKnVXKfleDV7IMNb2qAYsHX7GElltbSGrdXxaxsBszfRGykrcRyk5xlCH-kvIpFXtde62oh62bUmPPNksLZ-jeqkjGP03ihOTpUAVQD5jy/s320/IMG_4730.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358857825335094258" /></a><br />Love you all!<br />MichaelaRaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-56508219900076964902009-07-11T17:23:00.000-07:002009-07-11T18:03:33.892-07:00BREAKING NEWS!Yes, la epidemia de gripe is sweeping throughout Argentina, but never fear...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SZRFIGMZXfKaekx8Mg0sJPx8XXh4TxOQEmapmbDSNL8AEH5dOJJ7-elpKcFI0Grwn9ye2C62f7pNoqSemYqOXTo3IDtkYNkcXU0HukYIWXKWgf-4BzwYUCEweKTdOTv5TQtbuVnXbCSX/s1600-h/IMG_4552.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SZRFIGMZXfKaekx8Mg0sJPx8XXh4TxOQEmapmbDSNL8AEH5dOJJ7-elpKcFI0Grwn9ye2C62f7pNoqSemYqOXTo3IDtkYNkcXU0HukYIWXKWgf-4BzwYUCEweKTdOTv5TQtbuVnXbCSX/s320/IMG_4552.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357372109615402578" /></a><br />the masks the government is telling you to wear are indeed <em>stylish</em>!<br /><br /><br />Michaela Rae =)Michaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-15493883325164993142009-07-09T08:17:00.000-07:002009-07-09T11:43:53.345-07:00Gripe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvN2FCW8JN7zPPOgDRQdoIlOrAZwdr7qvbVuJm4xA7S2C-GLjIXLLk-yGVSSvV0L6lDY0h1KjKl-fB4ktsr8U9tfgS6C3DgZjbEGnp99r2fAvPebQy8udpar52DGn46QnhYZIXaSKRPyId/s1600-h/micpik3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvN2FCW8JN7zPPOgDRQdoIlOrAZwdr7qvbVuJm4xA7S2C-GLjIXLLk-yGVSSvV0L6lDY0h1KjKl-fB4ktsr8U9tfgS6C3DgZjbEGnp99r2fAvPebQy8udpar52DGn46QnhYZIXaSKRPyId/s200/micpik3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356526929739297714" /></a><br />Gripe (in Spanish), aka the Swine Flu, aka H1N1 (oh so politically correct), has been all the rage here in Argentina for the past couple of weeks. Last Friday, the death toll in Argentina was 44. As the regular flu season continues, & it indeed seems to be a bad one, the media is doing a wonderful job of reminding everyone about the swine flu epademic. At the first sign of sniffles, people are rushing to the hospital to make sure it's not the deadly N1H1. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-D2dhwOeiSbvckPwmBn6KMERk7R1D6ZegLYM4UyLGAGB_V4kHaoa-jqi75pyO5tkE9e8KdaPI-qfS8tbbqwGy72Kf-PCpBg5_Ad2e_zHsZn2a_acAeqYgPyTh8VFYG5ANlTrJ3HZZxAT/s1600-h/micpik6.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 157px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-D2dhwOeiSbvckPwmBn6KMERk7R1D6ZegLYM4UyLGAGB_V4kHaoa-jqi75pyO5tkE9e8KdaPI-qfS8tbbqwGy72Kf-PCpBg5_Ad2e_zHsZn2a_acAeqYgPyTh8VFYG5ANlTrJ3HZZxAT/s200/micpik6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356525575554855138" /></a><br />All schools have been let out & the government has issued safety recommendations such as staying a meter away from each other at all times, not having public gatherings, washing your hands (origional!) & wearing masks. Talk is that the government may decide all stores must close & public meetings be suspended for as long as 3 weeks. Interesting that the government didn't begin making a scene until directly after the elections 2 weeks ago. <br /><br />Last night Beth & the other CA leaders decided to suspend the Intensive seminar we have been preparing for. But because a deposit has already been put down for the retreat location, Beth & I along with the other leaders are still going up Sunday-Tuesday. It's a beautiful place in the mountains. I'm looking forward to a change of pace & scenery =).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Y1nL3NZS_SCD91NxfckqAvS-4IS0OPt-_kPdjfy7PUlFUx3X7uJo4tOIk_2YdKPhECd4z_MXlafjlnJh-TmDXv8OhEg1mEW-pYd-FBrB6S8F46pwfnnXyzvM4MCh7DreqlVX-zNmwQH0/s1600-h/micpik4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Y1nL3NZS_SCD91NxfckqAvS-4IS0OPt-_kPdjfy7PUlFUx3X7uJo4tOIk_2YdKPhECd4z_MXlafjlnJh-TmDXv8OhEg1mEW-pYd-FBrB6S8F46pwfnnXyzvM4MCh7DreqlVX-zNmwQH0/s200/micpik4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356526337023740434" /></a>Although I am skeptical of all the Gripe hype, I certainly hope it doesn't affect my trip home in 3 weeks. So please pray things begin to calm & return to normal.<br /><br />I'm beginning to work on my final report for the internship. In doing so I'm reminded that I still have a life back in Tallahassee. This summer has been a chain of events so unlike any I've ever experience. Part of me finds it unbelievable that I'll be going back to anything remotely similar to what I'm used to. <br /><br />~Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-11835233860325713332009-07-04T18:02:00.000-07:002009-07-09T11:41:04.644-07:00An independence day like none otherI was abruptly awoken this morning by the sound of fireworks. I turned over to look at the sky-light in my room & saw their flashes. It was as if they were right above my room. I glanced at my clock, 12:06am. I laid there until they ended thinking about everyone I miss & realizing this was going to be the first independence day I spend without celebrating in the U.S. Besides the fireworks this morning, which could have been shot off for any reason (I've heard fireworks many times here), nothing else reminded me of the holiday today. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLUwoYgq1-Bp3g9lSLdZpmeBVRnA05pSiNwrmE23KCga4QXAf_LWk4gGOzE2VU9asuS9XLkkQC5OaxAzxbaN-HpKqgsRyDsk_un2sq2hHz08pjOYJZPljsP3__ImuvT8ytOMsh6715hWS/s1600-h/micpik2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLUwoYgq1-Bp3g9lSLdZpmeBVRnA05pSiNwrmE23KCga4QXAf_LWk4gGOzE2VU9asuS9XLkkQC5OaxAzxbaN-HpKqgsRyDsk_un2sq2hHz08pjOYJZPljsP3__ImuvT8ytOMsh6715hWS/s320/micpik2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356496111419405314" /></a><br />I spent the entire day with Patricia & here family. She & her husband have two sons Facundo (6) & Tommy (13). I helped her make an amazing lunch of homemade noodles, meatballs, tomato sauce, salad & bread. I then spent most of the afternoon playing games & running a few errands with them. Patricia & I then met up with her friend & her sister to visit a home where they sell clothes & random accessories. The house was huge, by far the nicest I have been to while here. After looking at everything the ladies there served us delicious coffee & cakes while they all spoke a mile a minute. I can nearly follow any conversation now. If I can figure out the topic, even if I don't catch every word, it's fairly easy to follow what's going on. Needless to say, I am exhausted. <br /><br />While listening to the ladies & observing their body language, I realized just how odd & awkward Americans must seem to foreigners sometimes. Americans would come off so cold, unfriendly & awkward on first impression. Here, when you meet some one for the first time you feel so welcomed. They do everything they can to make you feel comfortable. You can tell they are genuinely interested in who you are. When I attend youth or college church meetings there are always 2 or 3 people that look out for me, sit with me & include me in everything they do. I also love that people here exchange kisses on the cheek when greeting & saying goodbye. I've gotten so used to doing it, I hope I don't go home & completely freak some one out.<br /><br />This weekend has been tough for me though. I really miss people, it was difficult knowing I wasn't there for my best friend Hannah's big day & not celebrating today was kinda sad. <br /><br />I love you all, thinking & praying for you.<br />Happy Independence Day from South America!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYYaNnFCPGl6E1cu_O3xTrsnIrlAjnDxB9AQLzTYzcJBcuplcL6AKkLDCxiTP8YUZSToTbYKhYA6tbclDWbH1mTDyvgFRPrCENOoqFknVFjlQkX_rb30fH36EfG1hSY4VAy7bHs58ecpL/s1600-h/micpik.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYYaNnFCPGl6E1cu_O3xTrsnIrlAjnDxB9AQLzTYzcJBcuplcL6AKkLDCxiTP8YUZSToTbYKhYA6tbclDWbH1mTDyvgFRPrCENOoqFknVFjlQkX_rb30fH36EfG1hSY4VAy7bHs58ecpL/s320/micpik.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356532024429193458" /></a><br />Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-54383901732194422112009-07-01T07:43:00.000-07:002009-07-04T18:47:43.960-07:00Happy July, boy how time fliesThings have really begun to pick up as we start preparing for the Corazones Abiertos intensive seminar July 13th-18th. I have spent the last few nights loosing track of time in work. Before I know it it's 11pm. I'm preparing the materials for the leaders, creating pamphlets, handmade notebooks, affirmation cards, powerpoints, nametags, etc. I will be participating in a group during the seminar so I'm also working through a large manual, which requires lots of reading & writing in Spanish. <br /><br />However, yesterday we did take most of the day off which was great. We woke up early & headed downtown to enjoy a wonderful breakfast. Once again, I can't express how much I love the coffee & facturas (pastries) here. After breakfast we went to an art museum, the marcado central (central market), & I visted a few stores searching for gifts to take back home. It is an incredible feeling spending 74,00 (they use , instead of a .) pesos but knowing it's only 19 bucks in US dollars. Although it's cheap, it's hard for me to remember to carry around so many pesos. After la siesta, Beth & I took the bus back downtown to buy suplies for the seminar & also so I could learn the bus routes. I hope to go back soon to do more exploring on my own.<br /><br />This morning I woke up, had toast & cofé con leche & started making home made bread! Right now it is rising. I enjoy all the small culture lessons I learn here, like how they make bread or why people are obsessed with cleaning their sidewalks. <br /><br />Some interesting things I have noted so far:<br /><br />1) when you say thank you for something here there is typically no response. For instance, thanking some one for giving you a ride or for making you food. Thanking people just doesn't seem normal here. I'm curious whether people find it seemingly ungenuin or if they simply don't see a need to thank any one. <br /><br />2) phone numbers, depending on how many people live in the city, may be 6, 7 or 8 digits long. In Buenos Aires they are 8. Here in Mendoza they are 6. <br /><br />3) there are no public bathrooms. if your kid needs to pee, you simply let he or she drop their pants on the side of the road & pee into a bush or acequia. <br /><br />4) people here do not speak "Spanish" they speak "Castellano." this distinction is very important to them. as one guy explained it to me, "Spanish is spoken in SPAIN, Castellano is what WE speak. We don't have those lispy accents, Castellano is more beautiful."<br /><br />5) In cooking, Argentines don't use measuring cups.<br /><br />6) Buy a book? No, get it photocopied. Although there are copyright laws, like most laws here, they aren't obeyed or inforced.<br /><br />7) Everyone citizen 18+ is forced to vote. Last Sunday were elections. Everyone despises them. Also, they have had the same method for voting since the 50's. It is so slow, people have to stand in line for HOURS.<br /><br /><br />I'm missing friends & family, but I'm loving my time here as well.<br />Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-64060175917587804702009-06-25T10:15:00.000-07:002009-06-25T14:52:18.641-07:00Buenos AiresMondey evening Beth & left on a 13 hour trip to Buenos Aires. Our bus was two stories & first class. The seats laid out into beds, we each had our own TV & we were served delicious food, tea & coffee. I really wonder what is wrong with America for not having this form of transportation. <br /><br />Arriving in Buenos Aires we were welcomed with freezing cold weather, loads of people & hundreds of picture taking opportunities =P. We first dropped our things off where we would be staying, a 4 story apartment with a church on the bottom floor. The missonaries who own it rent some of the rooms to Christian girls studying at the local universities & also use the place to put up missionaries that come through.<br /><br />our view:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3PWJTK3kugzo8SQ_j2tkDU4-LP5f1T9Ty7kJU6_3zdmY-GUjPmrp9qS-r1z80wWt2xj2WaFmOkVLaSrWYhIkw0COV1fQtMn5weOZ-U-DftBvjtojlwsmTuDAQIBpaTnmDW8AiDkHc_ew/s1600-h/IMG_4332.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3PWJTK3kugzo8SQ_j2tkDU4-LP5f1T9Ty7kJU6_3zdmY-GUjPmrp9qS-r1z80wWt2xj2WaFmOkVLaSrWYhIkw0COV1fQtMn5weOZ-U-DftBvjtojlwsmTuDAQIBpaTnmDW8AiDkHc_ew/s320/IMG_4332.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351383388623163218" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr82Ki-XPW8zr8lfqPgy6ZVgIG4WJlXo-kYwkNH5wrc9jpWhtP0w24Vuv04ttTx2EFRS2h74haSqH_fxy0rqDDm36rI-PzMeIh8y8Xvvl3JooxkFCgKvL_LY0wPG7_rXYM4sTO7xcBrDtk/s1600-h/IMG_4331.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr82Ki-XPW8zr8lfqPgy6ZVgIG4WJlXo-kYwkNH5wrc9jpWhtP0w24Vuv04ttTx2EFRS2h74haSqH_fxy0rqDDm36rI-PzMeIh8y8Xvvl3JooxkFCgKvL_LY0wPG7_rXYM4sTO7xcBrDtk/s320/IMG_4331.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351383388947431282" /></a><br />Beth & I decided to do some exploring & went to catch the subway, which was an experience in itself. The subway cars were so crammed it wasn't necessary to hold on to anything, we couldn't have fallen over even if we wanted. I'm glad I'm not a claustrophobic person. Men were mashed up against me on every side. One guy exclaimed jokingly, "we'll get married at the next stop."<br /><br />We saw the Casa Rosada, the Pink House, which serves the same purpose as the White House in the States. We visited the Catholic church with San Martín´s grave, saw what looked like a smaller version of the Washington monument & walked on a swing bridge named, "Puente de la Mujer" which means "Woman's Bridge" just because we felt it necessary, we are women =).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNj-Abo659toDE3S6FcuVftCzKJhiQYEiZMtRuLaMQwuoekRSB2LoiioNQf8nLuyvSx1RQThEQNrE2SsxUIiaIvEAXQd_uwGw4YbnJxGeTSou2tAj6LEHHejexpgix8tzRFA3GXJWF4sLL/s1600-h/IMG_4320.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNj-Abo659toDE3S6FcuVftCzKJhiQYEiZMtRuLaMQwuoekRSB2LoiioNQf8nLuyvSx1RQThEQNrE2SsxUIiaIvEAXQd_uwGw4YbnJxGeTSou2tAj6LEHHejexpgix8tzRFA3GXJWF4sLL/s320/IMG_4320.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351384494710137186" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP30OeJk9lC3ReUY7QSADZ2eETy6pwQZt-RVWEFnfKfgjTRPNOsV7aLdwFNVO1BjYPYV-GiUDKkSpCSGZQFS6vGUpaPcZDjtEf4Rqo6gL49uPs4O3aKmF6rdn7mCYnWIoAgys_uGAH13zs/s1600-h/IMG_4294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP30OeJk9lC3ReUY7QSADZ2eETy6pwQZt-RVWEFnfKfgjTRPNOsV7aLdwFNVO1BjYPYV-GiUDKkSpCSGZQFS6vGUpaPcZDjtEf4Rqo6gL49uPs4O3aKmF6rdn7mCYnWIoAgys_uGAH13zs/s320/IMG_4294.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351384491195842946" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6L_Xt5HE5VPYolJrGvzSYs7UeSA4r2cotOfd69rDxV0WDovwgTgdsHKrVfKYm4oVgznhQ6jvefHgJdyYCbrfEwzz5NgULlSYKOnYVNkn8BewgxIkcR2e4EAyDzctzUMedJN-A3JKufv3G/s1600-h/IMG_4232.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6L_Xt5HE5VPYolJrGvzSYs7UeSA4r2cotOfd69rDxV0WDovwgTgdsHKrVfKYm4oVgznhQ6jvefHgJdyYCbrfEwzz5NgULlSYKOnYVNkn8BewgxIkcR2e4EAyDzctzUMedJN-A3JKufv3G/s320/IMG_4232.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351384484967604066" /></a><br />After lunch with the missionaries, we went out for more sight seeing & Julieta, a girl who lives in the apartments & studies in Bs As, joined us. We took a bus to a place called La Boca. For Tallahassians reading this, La Boca reminded me of Railroad Square but a much nicer, more interesting & larger version. All the buildings were painted bright colors & artists display their work on stands along the roads. We stopped at a restaurant where we could watch tango dancing & drink coffee. I thought I would only be watching, but an old man in his 80's had a different idea. He unexpectedly walked over to our table, grabbed my arm & asked me to dance. I'm sure my eyes got as big as baseballs. I told him "oh no no, gracias, no." But either he didn't understand Spanish or he just didn't care. He had a death grip on my arm & kept insisting. It was one of those moments in life when you know it's going to end up being a scene either way & you try to pick the less painful option. I'm not too sure me giving in was the less painful option though =P. The poor man could hardly walk but he decided that we were going to "dance" (which was a lot more like walking) for the entire song...which seemed to NEVER end. When it finally did, he insisted that I take a picture with him, but a picture like people take with the actual tango dancers, with the girl's leg up on the man's legs. Ooooh, the horrible thing is, Beth got all of this on camera. I haven't brought myself to watch the video quite yet. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aowdsmFlpu3sCIjVd4GoCrcyrokjyzKvTyNoxQAQPfl9MroKU4LtvA6-jVp3ysKhCQEetF2-_4xDBjv0BY5x2mEFLn3DSg13JCJv9zij9avP23LBhcYff_s7VvyyYJKl7RCgRZK0wtFc/s1600-h/IMG_4358.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aowdsmFlpu3sCIjVd4GoCrcyrokjyzKvTyNoxQAQPfl9MroKU4LtvA6-jVp3ysKhCQEetF2-_4xDBjv0BY5x2mEFLn3DSg13JCJv9zij9avP23LBhcYff_s7VvyyYJKl7RCgRZK0wtFc/s320/IMG_4358.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351384499257370290" /></a><br />Later that night Beth went back to the apartment to get some work done & Julieta & I went on to do some more sight seeing, shopping & a LOT of walking. Being with Julieta was fun, it had been awhile since I'd done anything with someone my age. It was also very challenging because I had to speak in Spanish the entire time. Wednesday, while Beth was in her missions meetings, Julieta & I spent the entire day together as well. We had a delicious brunch, which only cost me $3.15!! Oh how I love the exchange rate! & we met up with her friend Andrew (who could actually speak English very well) & went to a Zoo. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9H5cO4qYRrqgpRgvLA5KR_oUWaELzNJjPmZczrvHIJqPiU2lDzBWRbG8SsWaUI7QFvq6FJd9LcuHTH9jAvcqpuafxRHod0kIcKDFPcLdWlMHq7UwwP4KXxVQasMXQW-E724wNXXkBdqEL/s1600-h/IMG_4377.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9H5cO4qYRrqgpRgvLA5KR_oUWaELzNJjPmZczrvHIJqPiU2lDzBWRbG8SsWaUI7QFvq6FJd9LcuHTH9jAvcqpuafxRHod0kIcKDFPcLdWlMHq7UwwP4KXxVQasMXQW-E724wNXXkBdqEL/s320/IMG_4377.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351384500029468306" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstIAbzX56y_2XLB3WYwW12l8wN7FG6Q-qdJnVUSJ-OW2s0beRhG6utYRaEUSKHHHbWqEmTdFBxC47fvJRhWoltCRRy9PVTYEZiKNAc9jqelRFttaVnbSK7fNwRQrJp8-OFU4GAuQ_d5RU/s1600-h/IMG_4378.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstIAbzX56y_2XLB3WYwW12l8wN7FG6Q-qdJnVUSJ-OW2s0beRhG6utYRaEUSKHHHbWqEmTdFBxC47fvJRhWoltCRRy9PVTYEZiKNAc9jqelRFttaVnbSK7fNwRQrJp8-OFU4GAuQ_d5RU/s320/IMG_4378.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351385715253411442" /></a><br />I loved the city! I love the fast pace & the fact that you could be there for weeks & never run out of things to do or see. I wish it wasn't 13 hours away; I'd love to go back & do more shopping & visit more adorable coffee shops where incredible cups of café con leche are only $1!<br /><br />~ Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-16577650718144774362009-06-19T10:34:00.000-07:002009-06-19T11:02:17.126-07:00Zonda!During lunch today Beth exclaimed "Zonda!!" Previously having been told of this phenomenon & ran to the window. Indeed a Zonda was occuring!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP2c2ENEXxKWk024cg6Em8GG1S65IHye_-3nWokWoXnVvtR0TL2hqMl8vVx0-ID6u_LEhncp2_vw0PbZKzAlaTRszrzbnnnCU7CNoecZdRu5sbG4LYlRr7F5gkAfb34jZgEQXHUWclDMw/s1600-h/IMG_4159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiP2c2ENEXxKWk024cg6Em8GG1S65IHye_-3nWokWoXnVvtR0TL2hqMl8vVx0-ID6u_LEhncp2_vw0PbZKzAlaTRszrzbnnnCU7CNoecZdRu5sbG4LYlRr7F5gkAfb34jZgEQXHUWclDMw/s320/IMG_4159.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349096959528607186" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6aKIkUjt14BSmLgjRGAS6RyuJOxYkMx49-XwdqUhc_1NLbAJHixYCxzd_S6i1QFhRnhfKVai-2xyp7uNXGmAXV94FziG3q548u3FHDGB8HLQy6YAE8SouPY9HaVGwOTZ4wZ3U6v5jhYg/s1600-h/IMG_4158.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6aKIkUjt14BSmLgjRGAS6RyuJOxYkMx49-XwdqUhc_1NLbAJHixYCxzd_S6i1QFhRnhfKVai-2xyp7uNXGmAXV94FziG3q548u3FHDGB8HLQy6YAE8SouPY9HaVGwOTZ4wZ3U6v5jhYg/s320/IMG_4158.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349096956514945474" /></a><br />A Zonda is a wind that occurs on the eastern slope of the Andes, in Argentina. It is a hot, dry wind produced by the northeastward movement of polar fronts. Beth & Pablo have explained to me that it most often happens during the winter. When it does the weather may go from 30f to 100f within minutes. Although Zondas are hot & dry for us, it means snow on the mountains! People close their houses up tight, drive their cars into the garage & wait for it too pass. When it is over, lots of dust & leaves are left & often very cold weather follows. <br /><br />Things have been slow for me this week. A Corazones Abiertos conference has been being held here at the house every night since last Saturday. Tonight is the last night. I typically hang around & talk with people until they split into small groups, then I retreat to my room to study, read or maybe watch a movie. I've also been sick this week so I haven't gotten out & done as much as I would have liked. But next week should be really fun. Monday-Thursday Beth & I are taking a 12 hour trip by bus to Buenas Aires. I'm sure I'll have more pictures & stories when I return. It's hard to believe my 3rd week here is almost coming to a close.<br /><br />~Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-37938833862225627212009-06-15T12:37:00.000-07:002009-06-17T11:06:34.235-07:00Despacito, POR FAVOR!This past weekend I spent the majority of my time attending a youth conference held at a hotel here in Mendoza. It was certainly the most challenging thing I have participated in so far. I went only having become aquainted with a couple of the people there & still struggling to hold a basic conversation. I left, however, knowing the majority of the people & able to hold indepth conversations with many. I feel like pounding my chest & yelling for victory! My favorite line this weekend was, without a doubt, "despacito, por favor!" basically meaning, "speak more slowly, please!" As my comprehension & speaking improved many people would forget to speak slowly & clearly to me. Towards the end of the weekend, my phrase become a joke & many people would exclaim, "I only speak quick spanish, sorry!" As if it were hopeless. <br /><br />Two of the girls I spent a lot of time with were 15 & 17 years old & utterly boy crazy. I enjoyed following them around, learning about their crushes, taking pictures with them & translating the titles & lyrics of American songs they listen to on a regular basis. At the dinner table one night they asked what the song title, "Ass Like That," meant. They had absolutely no understanding concerning the song title or its lyrics but loved it all the same. I also found it amusing when a guy wearing a Quik Silver hoodie asked me what "Quik Silver" meant. I'm sure in both cases they found it equally amusing to listen to me trying to explain something that is nearly impossible to explain in broken Spanish.<br /><br />Sunday night all of us at the conference packed into busses & went to a local park with the purpose of witnessing. On the weekends the park is packed with people either lying on the grass, playing sports or music or selling random products. The tactics used to draw crowds were word games & drawings done on a large easel. The games & drawings related to the love of Jesus & his sacrifice. During the games/drawings they would preach. Afterwards any one who was interested was given a track & spoken to one on one about accepting Christ. Because of the language barrier, participating was difficult for me, but I enjoyed watching & learning. Although I've never completely agreed with the "touch-&-go" witnessing tactic as I like to put it, the Christians here are extremely sincere. It was very encouraging to watch people as young as 15 preach the gospel from their hearts.<br /><br />Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-13657236976465711342009-06-11T16:50:00.000-07:002009-06-11T18:35:25.438-07:00Corazones AbiertosOne of the first things I noticed on arriving to Argentina was the negative attitude of women concerning marriage or relationships with men in general. Often when it was mentioned that I have a boyfriend comments such as, "oh, be careful," "you may change your mind," or "take it from me, men in marriage are different than you think" were made. When asking Beth about this, I began to learn a lot more about the ministry of Corazones Abiertos (Open Hearts). <br /><br />Corazones Abiertos is one of the ministries I'm working with on my stay here. Prior to coming, I wasn't sure what it was. But over the past 1.5 weeks Beth & Pablo have been filling me in. <br /><br />Here in Argentina ~95% of women have been abused in some way over the course of their lives. Many men have experienced abuse as well. The ministry of Corazones Abiertos was started in order to help address the damage that abuse has caused in these people's lives. In small groups of 5 or 6, people lay out their life stories of abuse & learn what steps are necessary to take in order to be freed from the pain, low selfworth & self-esteem, unforgiveness, & so on, that they experience as a result. They learn who God says they are & what that means for their lives.<br /><br />Beth & Pablo were quick to give me loads of reading material, ranging from a small pamphlet titled, "The Church: A Safe Place for the Wounded" to a book titled, <em>The Wounded Heart</em>, hope for adult victims of childhood sexual abuse. They have made to be very good but intense reads so far. In July I will get the opportunity to participate in a group. Pray I will be able to gain a lot of ground with Spanish prior to it. I would love to be able to follow everything & to contribute as well. <br /><br />The past couple days have been busy. I spent the majority of today at Beth's friends house Mirian. I got an Argentine cooking lesson & ate food & drank Mate until I about exploded. Mirian & her sister happen to be 2 of the most difficult people to understand. They speak very quickly & don't pronounce their words very clearly. It can be frustrating but today it was just hilarious when Mirian's sister decided to simply resort to communicating through hand motions only. We all got a good laugh out of it. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhlz4yLVB0DmZKbjMuZAyv8K-QK41C2vwpQimIZqVFxheO5KG9DZhV4WrxIQhZ7aDQHLBJUirjYB0lpDZLD7pM2smCyKihDJkcpaLqsV5OR1iD4XD9ZhKbYiweIDlTe_QWFJyUKBaGRzL/s1600-h/IMG_4118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhlz4yLVB0DmZKbjMuZAyv8K-QK41C2vwpQimIZqVFxheO5KG9DZhV4WrxIQhZ7aDQHLBJUirjYB0lpDZLD7pM2smCyKihDJkcpaLqsV5OR1iD4XD9ZhKbYiweIDlTe_QWFJyUKBaGRzL/s320/IMG_4118.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346234283676381826" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxmlSSZ7MgQuSBZynb9a69iAOytoWjRo0aXO9PDRdOyN3Q_f-1NHGWxrAwUJDvEYFvva1eWBrA7Y2DEPyV4pAfq9-QE9O1Q2aXGWmSWOY6sF4w-PcBa0vjO3bT_IhjdVCJyW7EQxVDfy4/s1600-h/IMG_4120.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxmlSSZ7MgQuSBZynb9a69iAOytoWjRo0aXO9PDRdOyN3Q_f-1NHGWxrAwUJDvEYFvva1eWBrA7Y2DEPyV4pAfq9-QE9O1Q2aXGWmSWOY6sF4w-PcBa0vjO3bT_IhjdVCJyW7EQxVDfy4/s320/IMG_4120.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346234280848996370" /></a><br /><strong>Prayer Request</strong>: Here in Mendoza there are narrow but deep ditches called acequias which channel water coming down from the mountains to water the city. Yesterday Pablo mis-stepped & fell into one. He cut his leg right below his knee & had to get 7 stitches. Now he has become very sick. Today he had a 104 fever. Pray he recovers quickly!! & that if what he has is contageous it does not spread to any one else.<br /><br />Love you all!<br />~ Michaela Rae<br /><br />Note to self: when you're missing home, eat a bowl of fuit loops.<strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong>Michaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-69102042189504712322009-06-08T17:51:00.000-07:002009-06-09T11:36:23.147-07:00the AndesToday has topped all the rest so far! We spent the entire day up in the Andes mountains. It was perfect whether, beautiful scenery, good company & a nice break from the pace of things here in the city. I took hundreds of photos. I put a lot on facebook but here are a few of my favorites. Click to view them larger.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeo6HXFlZMGPSr-eC-8FTVJB8VCcT2cw1ZzJHhWtoPXX_DrhWxK1JNeJeVnklko9UxUMUmjPP4pveUgoW8CI6qOeKWPPPRYk_Y9LJOMcbAY2NgnpDUy3eLCZ-ZADZP6zw_LX8ekYg9J302/s1600-h/IMG_3984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeo6HXFlZMGPSr-eC-8FTVJB8VCcT2cw1ZzJHhWtoPXX_DrhWxK1JNeJeVnklko9UxUMUmjPP4pveUgoW8CI6qOeKWPPPRYk_Y9LJOMcbAY2NgnpDUy3eLCZ-ZADZP6zw_LX8ekYg9J302/s320/IMG_3984.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345125654499537746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtI9E5v77UaLMx9fZ7m9VxoiGeHIlNyT2lyZpjTcgzYAI_4Zh5qZIqtDOLstbSDHxEd3121U8n0FQIJkSCNdni_BMGozjXNyRz3jI5vTsD2E0zy5GuE3weNB5cNhHC7a6UFVNE5dwncKc/s1600-h/IMG_3879.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtI9E5v77UaLMx9fZ7m9VxoiGeHIlNyT2lyZpjTcgzYAI_4Zh5qZIqtDOLstbSDHxEd3121U8n0FQIJkSCNdni_BMGozjXNyRz3jI5vTsD2E0zy5GuE3weNB5cNhHC7a6UFVNE5dwncKc/s320/IMG_3879.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345125655191784610" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGxkcNpq6LJ9FZLHvMiN61VEqMxqevylpQk2jZlZ99ieWxpU04CvmS6NwN-ZZZcDgzi09cmqrOWG_j2tABK7tVUXjxmccP7zRaKT5iLOGb7DWrOzstKzXqOqYSppQtOGyCwhXG7O6_3NF/s1600-h/IMG_3882.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGxkcNpq6LJ9FZLHvMiN61VEqMxqevylpQk2jZlZ99ieWxpU04CvmS6NwN-ZZZcDgzi09cmqrOWG_j2tABK7tVUXjxmccP7zRaKT5iLOGb7DWrOzstKzXqOqYSppQtOGyCwhXG7O6_3NF/s320/IMG_3882.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345125650035919490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvzvPer7CekUfjwZ8a_vxJnfdBbu0Fz3YSgMPQO5-fb5D8Gd-jKFpPHu3RKrIi0-E44FqDix2jYgzPdx4gyKsCAF19ntxxJ49iy7m4cVzF7ZdXBcIh5L_z5Cp9ADVz3WVX05DGXeIHJsn/s1600-h/IMG_4046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvzvPer7CekUfjwZ8a_vxJnfdBbu0Fz3YSgMPQO5-fb5D8Gd-jKFpPHu3RKrIi0-E44FqDix2jYgzPdx4gyKsCAF19ntxxJ49iy7m4cVzF7ZdXBcIh5L_z5Cp9ADVz3WVX05DGXeIHJsn/s320/IMG_4046.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345125648205798306" /></a><br />I love knowing that there are thousands of places around the world equally or more beautiful than the ones I have seen today. I am in awe of God's creation, it makes me want to travel 100x more. I am so thankful for this opportunity.<br /><br />I think I'm finally becoming familiar with the layout of the city. I'm also becoming more comfortable in trying to speak with people. I'm accepting the fact that I am "that foreign person" who can't speak correctly & may say or do stupid things sometimes. It's a strange feeling to be in that position. It's amazing how much effort you can put into do everything right, but when it comes down too it, it's not realistic. So, perfection is being thrown out of the window. It's the only way I can make real progress without driving myself loco.<br /><br />~Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-4756767270321692162009-06-06T09:59:00.000-07:002009-06-09T11:38:03.568-07:00Buenas Tardes!<br />Woke up bright & early this morning. Pablo (Paul) & I drove to a near by city to be on a Christian radio talk show, Nueva Vida FM 94.3. when Pablo asked if I wanted to join he warned that they may make me talk. I told him I wasn't sure I wanted my spanish broadcast to the world quite yet. So he asked them to not have me talk, but it turned out I had to do a little talking anyway. One word, AWKWARD! But it was fun despite having to talk & the fact that it stretched on for 2 hours. My spanish comprehension is improving, I'm slowly getting back in the groove. I was able to follow the majority of the broadcast. =)<br /><br />The mountains were beautiful this morning. I love that when you walk out of the Wright's house to the left you see the looming Andes but to the right, nothing. I still need to get out & take more pictures. But here are some that I took this morning. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQHQ4GTQIoFpA8PA7-rW8h5YXBx5m8yipgzhqvCpjE_CPiaMUOkaGi6mapXJg1mYe5F7L3PpejCQ9wH3be9ss7ROFdDeWdE9rUPu7xCCvpytgK8elvMbUKVLpiIjhxh0vpML6lxp9CTMH/s1600-h/Shrine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQHQ4GTQIoFpA8PA7-rW8h5YXBx5m8yipgzhqvCpjE_CPiaMUOkaGi6mapXJg1mYe5F7L3PpejCQ9wH3be9ss7ROFdDeWdE9rUPu7xCCvpytgK8elvMbUKVLpiIjhxh0vpML6lxp9CTMH/s320/Shrine.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344265939067552386" /></a><br />This is one of the many shrines seen on the sides of the freeway. this one to, Gauchito Gil, who was some what of a Robin Hood type figure. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWV6OK8xgFH1Uo7JgprmJDmLXwqAxFpwovOuwjNzxH9A4dJ0WBsesOudrBQ6h93WC2PcR2bInRCA7N8meAIt0jGmOmWHJYQgBZG1DZ4lswetvlZqr9KY-wefjMU2m4NdzdcWqicbirDJNh/s1600-h/IMG_3838.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWV6OK8xgFH1Uo7JgprmJDmLXwqAxFpwovOuwjNzxH9A4dJ0WBsesOudrBQ6h93WC2PcR2bInRCA7N8meAIt0jGmOmWHJYQgBZG1DZ4lswetvlZqr9KY-wefjMU2m4NdzdcWqicbirDJNh/s320/IMG_3838.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344265940267425314" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA9Lp3r9AM2xwY1iMJYz2uLFUAa5923LEcyJiGu4l067yxMQmy6vKJ_YwmOyyLbLfr2YVcaJiJ0Zc87R2gaEJAph-Rjt952i_4qrX62T-cE2szEEDM3kdRiaeIVSpHlRy6FpCqskklbas/s1600-h/IMG_3835.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA9Lp3r9AM2xwY1iMJYz2uLFUAa5923LEcyJiGu4l067yxMQmy6vKJ_YwmOyyLbLfr2YVcaJiJ0Zc87R2gaEJAph-Rjt952i_4qrX62T-cE2szEEDM3kdRiaeIVSpHlRy6FpCqskklbas/s320/IMG_3835.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344265935052642386" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZEGx0eGJW42Tz8h5ynrjWTyrq-HvTQjQig7PnP3H9b5UfELzLQL7OGWGzp2h8U0JmyQVPU8O2tRh6_mGLsQS2KJskrAHnOYNbPNoHpdGU9ey20xz7LEitbWvMtAngP1sowwYFQasPltN/s1600-h/IMG_3825.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZEGx0eGJW42Tz8h5ynrjWTyrq-HvTQjQig7PnP3H9b5UfELzLQL7OGWGzp2h8U0JmyQVPU8O2tRh6_mGLsQS2KJskrAHnOYNbPNoHpdGU9ey20xz7LEitbWvMtAngP1sowwYFQasPltN/s320/IMG_3825.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344265929067683794" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPO4EcZGdYNwqyr35XJsJ9xczGvNcsCxppO_XZU99WD08PfIh2lDnmHzpprWbfeLqQeUVnJd0UTPA-NZQA9i7gy-AOFwxzxNftvwoa0MXJRinII5GcUHZUH7V5OCEodcMFq1fi3hd08LIa/s1600-h/IMG_3808.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPO4EcZGdYNwqyr35XJsJ9xczGvNcsCxppO_XZU99WD08PfIh2lDnmHzpprWbfeLqQeUVnJd0UTPA-NZQA9i7gy-AOFwxzxNftvwoa0MXJRinII5GcUHZUH7V5OCEodcMFq1fi3hd08LIa/s320/IMG_3808.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344265925288176754" /></a><br />~ Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-31266131193318069942009-06-03T20:07:00.000-07:002009-06-05T11:45:10.341-07:00Day 3This morning I got a lesson on using a Lampaso. Which is an outside mop used on sidewalks here. You can see men & women all down the street each morning using them. I'll post a picture later.<br /><br />I then ran arrends with Paul which turned in to a long vocabulary lesson. At every store front we would stop on the side walk & he would ask, ¿Qué se vende aquí? (what is sold here?). Some were easy give aways but others not so much. Partly because stores here sell the oddest product combinations. For instance, one store sold mattresses & sheet-rock. A locksmith was also a store selling odd car parts, such as, side mirrors. <br /><br />After la siesta (during which i spent very little time sleeping & a lot more time skyping with Kurt) I got some work done & helped Beth make dinner. I love the amount of cooking that is done here. No microwavable meals or fastfood resturants on every corner.<br /><br />From 9-11 tonight I attended a class Paul teaches at the Bible Institute. There were about 20 students ages 20's-50's. I had some of my first conversations, some went very well while others were pretty difficult. I was able to understand the majority of the class teaching & discussion though. <br /><br />For the first time today I noticed all the shrines to Mary around town. Argentina is obviously largely Catholic & Mary is the major figure. At almost every neighborhood entrance is a shrine & often you can see personal shrines in people's yards. <br /><br />Time for sleep!<br />~Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-5153996693569690652009-06-02T18:31:00.000-07:002009-06-09T11:41:03.478-07:00Day 2Yesterday on the car ride home from the airport, Paul & Beth were telling me that often tremors are felt in Argentina. They described how they feel & different stories of when they've occured. To me this is fascinating seeing as I've never experienced one. Waking up this morning they asked me if I had been woken up by a big tremor around 1am. I can't believe I missed it! There is an <a href="http://www.losandes.com.ar/notas/2009/6/2/un-427497.asp">article on Los Andes</a> about it.<br /><br />Beth & I went to visit one of her Argentine friends, Midian, after breakfast. She offered us a lot of Mate so I got to exercise my new Mate skills. The visit made me realize, as far as Spanish is concerned, this trip is going to be extremely challenging. I barely understood a word she said. Thankfully understanding Beth is a lot easier. Adjusting to the Argentine accent will take some time. When we came home I hit the dictionary! <br /><br />We also went to Wal-mart. Which, believe it or not, was a culture lesson. The food selection is very different & packaging of various things is almost humorous. For example, yogurt sold in bags!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQrJtrLFmAFkA9pVALeTvAAzxsnWxfiplcV8yghDnBBoi85boG_X5_fClq4v9cn9SqqHqV1jZThZsUNw8skZZ6e_7SylG2LQVMha7HPVwWG-obvR0U1ua6cvjj0bC1b4Q1UYPNouvJ_bD/s1600-h/IMG_3776.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQrJtrLFmAFkA9pVALeTvAAzxsnWxfiplcV8yghDnBBoi85boG_X5_fClq4v9cn9SqqHqV1jZThZsUNw8skZZ6e_7SylG2LQVMha7HPVwWG-obvR0U1ua6cvjj0bC1b4Q1UYPNouvJ_bD/s320/IMG_3776.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342917234504495826" /></a><br />After dinner, Paul gave me more orientation on the culture & also what I'll be doing during my stay. They're going to set me up for independent meetings with people to work on my spanish. The phrase he used to describe it was, "pushing me off the deep end so I'm forced to learn how to swim"...sounds fun huh!? I'm nervous, especially after my first encounter this morning, but I know in the long run this will be really good for me. I'm going to do my best to keep a positive perspective & not get frustrated when I have a difficult time comprehending/ communicating. & in the mean time I will be doing a lot of Spanish reading/studying. <br /><br />Mucho amor, hasta luego!<br />~Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-30722000452235263732009-06-01T15:22:00.000-07:002009-06-09T11:13:44.389-07:00Day 1I have arrived! I flew from Kansas City to Atlanta, from Atlanta to Santiago, Chile, from Santiago to the small Mendoza airport. I nearly missed my connection in Atlanta. It was already a tight squeeze, seeing as Atl airport is huge, but for some added excitement, the gate on my ticket had been misprinted. Thankfully I made it to the right gate & was the last person to board! The flight was an all-nighter. I slept quite a bit & woke up just in time to watch an incredible sunrise over mountains. The most amazing site so far, however, has been the Andes Mountains which we flew over from Santiago to Mendoza. <br /><br />On my arrival I immediently felt the distance from home. Part of me felt like finding a corner somewhere & crying. I think a lot of that had to do with being exhausted. Now, following a 4 hour nap, I feel a lot better & ready for some more adventure. <br /><br />We (Mr. Paul & Mrs. Beth Wright, my supervisors & the people I will be living with, & I) went down town to exchange some money after leaving the airport. One of my first observation was that here people & cars mix. They get up close & personal. Needless to say, I'll be putting my death stare into practice in order to cross the street alive. Secondly, Mendoza is not as clean as the U.S. This wasn't much of a surprise, but it made me feel as though I was back in Mexico. Although, it is certainly not as bad. In the neighborhood that I am staying, trash pickup is 6 times a week. You'd think Mendoza would be spick & span if this were the case throughout, but I think it is unique to the neighborhood. Also, outside trash cans don't exist, instead something more like a trash basket on stilts is used or the bags are simply put up in a tree. This is done in order to keep trash away from dogs. It seems as if dogs are everywhere; there is continual barking. But if you live here long enough they say you'll block it out.<br /><br />I had my first experience with Argentine Mate. Delicious! Which is good, because apparently it is what I will be served at every house I visit. The Wrights taught me the appropraite way of accepting mate, how to hold, pass it & when to say & not to say thank you. I also had my first meal which, like i expected, included beef. =)<br /><br />It is cold here & the houses are drafty. I'm wearing jeans, socks & shoes, 2 shirts & 2 hoodies, have a blanket over my legs & a space heater pointed directly at me, & I'm just now FINALLY warm. haha!<br /><br />I can see I'm going to have more independence here than I origionally thought. They have already given me a house key, a couple maps of the neighborhood/city & said they will buy me a bus pass. The idea is a bit overwhelming right now but I think once I get adjusted a little more it'll be great.<br /><br />Well, this is all for now. I'll post photos & vidoes when I can. <br />I love you all! Oh & please add me on skype!<br /><br />~Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506492073023423302.post-21175696327264093052009-05-30T17:49:00.000-07:002009-05-30T18:39:04.679-07:00Beginnings: orientation.Hello from Kansas City, MO!<br />For the past couple days I have been going through orientation here for my 9 week internship with Avant Ministries to Mendoza, Argentina. Things are going very smoothly & I have been learning so much. <br /><br />First of all, for those of you who are not be familiar with <a href="http://www.avantministries.org">Avant Ministries</a>, in a nutshell, it is a church-planting ministry based out of Kansas City established in 1892. Avant sends out teams to countries where less than 2% of the population is evangelical Christian. They believe in strategically partnering with national believers who can carry on the work & multiply the results. <br /><br />This is the first summer Avant is sending interns out on the field & there will be 7 of us. 5 of which I have had the amazing opportunity of getting to know here. Jessica will be interning with a team in the Czech Republic, Janae & Rebecca with a team in Italy, Charity at the Malaga Media Center in Spain & Brittany & Meagan will be here working at the Avant head quarters. <br /><br />I am, so far, thuroughly impressed with how Avant operates. The people here are highly intellegent, gifted & determined to do whatever it takes to take the gospel to the lost. They are not caught up in unrealistic hype or show, but rather in the details of being effective & building lasting relationships for the glory of God. I have been so inspired & encouraged by every one I have met. <br /><br />Tomorrow I fly out at ~6pm for Argentina. My first stop is Atlanta, followed by my 10 hour flight to Chile, from Chile a 1.5 hour flight to Mendoza. I know there is a lot of work ahead of me & inevitibly, after initial euphoria, some level of culture shock. But I'm excited & also feel very calm & ready. <br /><br />I'll keep you all posted & hopefully get the chance to upload photos to facebook once I arrive in Argentina. I also have Skype: MichaelaRae14. I love you all. Thank you for all your support! =)<br /><br />Adios! <br />Michaela RaeMichaela Raehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02066324111030876354noreply@blogger.com3