to correct a few mistakes from the first entry...
The shoes that I am seeing everywhere are, in fact, platform shoes. They are all the rage here in the city. I have considered buying a pair... and then I remember all the heads I can already see over and think, eh, better not!
I just learned in class today that it is not "Ciao" but "Chau"
There may be great pizza here, but I am not actually in Italy.
jueves, 18 de septiembre de 2014
the first couple of weeks
It has been about three weeks since I have arrived in Buenos Aires.
Since the last entry, classes have started. There are 12 students in Laura's and my class, all Americans, and a pretty awesome profesora. We call her by her first name, Silvana. She is great at turning any conversation into a learning experience, or learning experiences into conversations. The class that I am in is a little more than slightly beyond my level, especially when it comes to vocabulary and speaking. I could easily spend all of my free time studying, reviewing and doing homework, but the brain can only handle so much. Prayers for perseverance would be appreciated.
One of my favorite activities so far has been the weekend mornings spent at the park, Palermo, with Maria and Jose. Usually, after breakfast, we drive over to the packed park on Saturday or Sunday morning and I run a couple miles while they walk. After stretching, we find a bench to sit and just enjoy the sun, drinking mate and chatting. The atmosphere during these times is so relaxed, the sun warm and the company delightful. I absolutely adore living with Mari and Nacho. Its like living with grandparents who don't speak English! I love learning discovering more about their personalities and life every day. Some of the most memorable moments have been spent watching sports (usually futbol) or game shows, walking through the mall, eating deliciously home-prepared dinners, and drinking mate while trying to do homework. They have incredible patience and are always willing to help in explaining words or phrases. I feel so incredibly loved by them despite the countless "no entiendo"s, hours spent in my room recuperating, many mistakes and when I feel like I am coming across as selfish or demanding. I really do appreciate everything they do and the example of service they set. A few examples of their kindness have included doing my laundry, preparing me elaborate meals, packing a lunch, driving me to school in the rain, and walking through my homework sentence by sentence and word by word. I feel so incredibly undeserving of this service. It is a true living example of Christ.
To get a little deeper, I have been learning a little bit about identity lately. I do not think it is just an I'm-off-on-an-adventure-and-learning-a-lot thing but also part of being a 20 year old growing up in a world that tries to tell you who to be. When I first started thinking about coming to Argentina, I had it in mind that I would become Argentine, that I would try to act and dress and talk like a Porteno. And everybody would be amazed by my super intercultural ability to fit in. I am quickly coming to realize that is not going to happen. I am a foreigner. I grew up with a different world view and different experiences. Furthermore, no one here is expecting me to act like an Argentine. I'm growing more comfortable with being that weird, tall, blonde, lost, oblivious, American. I know this experience will change who I am and become a part of me, and I also am learning that God is present with every step.
Since the last entry, classes have started. There are 12 students in Laura's and my class, all Americans, and a pretty awesome profesora. We call her by her first name, Silvana. She is great at turning any conversation into a learning experience, or learning experiences into conversations. The class that I am in is a little more than slightly beyond my level, especially when it comes to vocabulary and speaking. I could easily spend all of my free time studying, reviewing and doing homework, but the brain can only handle so much. Prayers for perseverance would be appreciated.
One of my favorite activities so far has been the weekend mornings spent at the park, Palermo, with Maria and Jose. Usually, after breakfast, we drive over to the packed park on Saturday or Sunday morning and I run a couple miles while they walk. After stretching, we find a bench to sit and just enjoy the sun, drinking mate and chatting. The atmosphere during these times is so relaxed, the sun warm and the company delightful. I absolutely adore living with Mari and Nacho. Its like living with grandparents who don't speak English! I love learning discovering more about their personalities and life every day. Some of the most memorable moments have been spent watching sports (usually futbol) or game shows, walking through the mall, eating deliciously home-prepared dinners, and drinking mate while trying to do homework. They have incredible patience and are always willing to help in explaining words or phrases. I feel so incredibly loved by them despite the countless "no entiendo"s, hours spent in my room recuperating, many mistakes and when I feel like I am coming across as selfish or demanding. I really do appreciate everything they do and the example of service they set. A few examples of their kindness have included doing my laundry, preparing me elaborate meals, packing a lunch, driving me to school in the rain, and walking through my homework sentence by sentence and word by word. I feel so incredibly undeserving of this service. It is a true living example of Christ.
To get a little deeper, I have been learning a little bit about identity lately. I do not think it is just an I'm-off-on-an-adventure-and-learning-a-lot thing but also part of being a 20 year old growing up in a world that tries to tell you who to be. When I first started thinking about coming to Argentina, I had it in mind that I would become Argentine, that I would try to act and dress and talk like a Porteno. And everybody would be amazed by my super intercultural ability to fit in. I am quickly coming to realize that is not going to happen. I am a foreigner. I grew up with a different world view and different experiences. Furthermore, no one here is expecting me to act like an Argentine. I'm growing more comfortable with being that weird, tall, blonde, lost, oblivious, American. I know this experience will change who I am and become a part of me, and I also am learning that God is present with every step.
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