The Sun is Shining

In distinct contrast to my last post, the spring has come upon my life and the sun is now shining. God is faithful. The sun really is shining here in Buenos Aires, which also helps lift spirits and I'm thankful that I am no longer flirting with depression and despair. Thank you for your encouragement.

Last weekend my roommates and I visited San Telmo, a very artsy barrio in Bs.As. We had a wonderful time walking around, looking at the art for sale and taking in the architecture. Que lindo!

Today was one of the best days I've experienced in a long time. It began with waking up feeling refreshed. Becky and I were running late for the train to church and it arrived as we were at the ticket counter. She was able to hold the train for me as I bought her ticket and we made it to church on time.

After lunch with our friends we walked to Starbucks. It was in an old house that was converted into the coffee shop. It embodied everything a true coffee shop would be...space for private conversations, tranquil atmosphere, antique look and feel to the edifice. There were chandeliers with gaudy crystals hanging from the ceiling...but they fit and looked beautiful. Becky and I enjoyed the privacy of the enclosed patio...I almost fell asleep in my big comfy patio chair. I look forward to coming back soon.

On the walk back to the train, as we were standing on the corner of a busy street waiting to cross, 2 men approached us with a video camera and microphone. He asked me something about my pants and jeans and I think maybe where I get my jeans. I'm not completely sure, so when he put the microphone up to my mouth I kindly told him I didn't understand because I am not from Argentina - which then prompted "de donde sos?"(Where are you from). "The United States" was a satisfying response and he thanked us and was on his way.

Our delightful adventure ended with an enjoyable conversation at the station with some fellow ex-pats. And now, here I am sitting on my bed under my open window, recounting my day and preparing to prep for an impromptu photography class tomorrow.


Chau!
kait

La Primavera está llegando (Spring time is coming)

School has started again. Argentine winter is turning to spring. I need some springtime in my life. The past 18 months have been filled with major transitions. I graduated college and moved back with my parents, 3 months later I moved into a condo in Philadelphia with some friends so I could student teach. Two months into that I went to China to finish student teaching and stayed there for 10 weeks. Upon arrival back in my parents' house, I took a job in South America and once again moved after only 2 months. At the end of the semester (5 months) I visited the US for 5 weeks. Now I'm back in Argentina. I'm tired of change and transition. Unfortunately with the lifestyle I've chosen for this time in my life the transition not going to end any time soon.

Transition causes me to question myself over and over. I don't always know who I am and I'm not completely comfortable in my own skin. It's a season for growing - but then again, will I ever know who I really am? In any case, self discovery can be painful at times, but rewarding in the long run. I'm thankful for close friends here that are supporting me through this self discovery.

School is no longer new, I am returning to a place I know...building, routines, books, and kids. The novelty of where I am has worn off and now I'm really living here. Sometimes I even have to remind myself why I am here...don't get me wrong, I love it in Buenos Aires...but its not all fun and games anymore and sometimes I begin to doubt. I think I need to make a sign to put by my light switch as a reminder that God brought me here for a reason, and I'm not always going to know why.

On a more cheerful note, we went to visit the children's home last weekend and it was lovely to see them again. I had missed them. Ale had been gone for 2 weeks and came back while we were visiting. When she saw us she ran to Donna and I and gave us both really big hugs! She has a special place in my heart. Those children remind me of my purpose and for a few hours I don't question myself.

Ahhh springtime is coming. Esperando a la primavera.

-kait

La Bicicleta

Friday completes my first year/semester of teaching. It is so hard to believe, and even more so that I am completing it here in Buenos Aires. The past four and a half months have been filled with so much - teaching, making new friends, expanding my spanish skills, taking day trips and weekend trips with my new friends, a month off work, and meeting the children at the hogar...just to name a few.


Right now, I'm sitting in a tiny coffee shop, its dear (now I feel like Donna). Drinking my coffee, writing a blog and watching the world cup - I feel...sophisticated? European? haha. Once again I can't believe this is my life.

The world cup is taking over my life these days, every moment I can I have it on tv and FIFA is my homepage so that I can get the latest updates about what is happening. It is pretty awesome watching the world cup in Argentina when Argentina plays...seriously everything stops. People crowd around tvs and watch the game. We are watching it at school tomorrow...it is a big game because it is against South Korea and a lot of our students are from South Korea. It will be intense.

Well, its turning to dusk and I need to walk home, so I need to end for now. I look forward to seeing many of you in a few short weeks when I am in the States.

Chau,
kait

This Life is Not My Own

Honestly, I had no idea it had been over a month since I had written. I'm back in the classroom and really appreciating the time I have left with my students. Only 3 more weeks of school for this semester! I can't believe it. Life seems to be falling into a routine...which is good, but the downside, is that after awhile, it just becomes mundane...yes even in Buenos Aires, life can become mundane. The mundane-ness gives way to thoughts of "What's the point then of this life again? Why are we here? If I am living just for me, then there is no point."

Today I was given a boost of energy and endurance. I realized again that when I'm living my life for others, there is a point...we are the hands and feet of Jesus, and how much more fulfilling life is when we give away what we have been given. Tonight I visited a home for children who have been abandoned by their parents. I saw Love. I saw Jesus. I felt Love. I did not want to go home. One ten year old in particular captured my heart and gave me the biggest hugs and would not let go. I could see there is much behind those eyes that he has experienced that I could never in my wildest dreams begin to imagine experiencing. I am looking forward to going back in the very near future. (you can meet the children I met at http://www.illuminatehope.org)

-con amor
kait

Amigos y Adventuras

So as it turns out, I wasn't having problems with my stomach, I had a stomach bug. Thankfully it worked its way out of my system before my Easter trip and I was able to enjoy a relaxing weekend with my friends.

Life as of late is becoming more and more "normal" - hence the lack of posts. It's a good thing though, I feel like I'm settling in here and have made some fantastic friends. Speaking of which, some of them went with me to Uruguay this past weekend because I needed a stamp on my passport.
The day began too early in the morning, stumbling to the train station at 5:45 AM. On the way I was stopped abruptly in my tracks...my hair had been caught in a low hanging vine. I blame it on the low lighting. haha!

The sunrise over the delta was simply beautiful, well I'll let you see for yourself.
So the 2 Americans, Chilean, Argentine and German made it safely across the delta to the land called Uruguay, very similar to Argentina, but still just a bit different - kinda like the US and Canada. We arrived and Colonia appeared desolate, it was before 9 AM on a Saturday morning and life around these parts doesn't really start until much later in the day. Once we changed some money over we found much needed coffee.
The day continued much like this - very chill. We found ourselves in a lighthouse, along the river, wandering down vintage streets. It was the perfect break from reality...and of course it included helado(ice cream).
Chau!
kait

Presente!

Wednesday was Remeberance Day in Argentina for the 30,000 (maybe more) people who disappeared after the military coup in the late 1970's. We had off school and so I went into Capital (downtown BA) with some friends for the afternoon. We went to Plaza de Mayo where people were there was a demonstration. There were banners and a massive crowd. Names were being read of the disappeared and the crowd would respond with "Presente!" (present). It didn't impact me much that day, but the things we saw stayed in the back of my head. The other day I was at the train station and noticed posters of outlined bodies with the name, town and a date with "Presente!" written really big over it. All of the sudden it sunk it. Talk about a chilling, haunting feeling. Realizing those people that are represented at the train station existed and were loved by people and then suddenly just vanished! And to think that it happens in other places too, not just in Argentina's history.

On to more lighter subjects, I've been here for 7 weeks now. I'm settling into life pretty well as of late. I have a camping trip with friends at my church to look forward to for Easter break. God has blessed me with some great new friends that I have been praying for. Life these days is good. Not easy, but good.

The 5th grade Chile Fundraiser starts on Wednesday and continues the following Monday. We are hoping to raise $2,500 pesos.

Finally, I would appreciate prayers for my stomach. The past few days I've been experiencing waves of pain and then it goes away. It's been getting less painful, but its still annoying. I'm not worried about it, but prayers are appreciated. Thanks.

Chau!
kait

The Least of These

I see your eyes. You hand me a slip of paper. I just wanted to ride the train to my destination, not be bothered. If I don't accept your paper, then I don't have to read it (and translate)and I can ignore the request for a few small coins. Why do they have to train you so young to beg. If Jesus rode the train with me, would he take the slip of paper? Would he give them the coins they ask for? Why is there such disparity and unfairness in the world?
Why do I have food in my refrigerator at home and don't have to worry about going hungry, yet these kids don't know when they will have their next meal? Why is it that deep down I don't want to give you a few centavos? Who am I to judge where the money goes? What if they really do need these few cents to buy bread for today. Jesus, give me wisdom to know when I should face my pride and extend mercy and when it is better not to. I just want to be like you.

My students have decided to raise money for Chile after a discussion we had in class about Acts 6 and the widows who were being overlooked in the daily food distribution. I am proud of them. We are going to hold a bake sale the beginning of April for a week and sponsor a jeans day. Students and teachers will have to pay 2 pesos to wear jeans to school that day. We will be sending the money to Eastern Mennonite Missions to be used by friends of mine already doing mission work in Chile who have become involved with the relief in the earthquake region.

The pictures in this entry are from my afternoon trip to Tigre, a town at the end of our train line closest to my stop. It's also along the river, as you can tell.

In contemplation,
kait