The TOMS Way...shoes for everyone

In a matter of 24 hours I went from a very hot summer to a very cold winter. The Argentine summer is turning me into a winter wimp! The past month at school flew by, but not without its share of challenges. The proverb to "train up a child in the way he should go so that when he is old he will not depart from it" - well that has been filling my thoughts as of late. It is a difficult task to train up children. I find myself wanting to see immediate results in my students but then realizing that life is a process and just because we learn about something this week doesn't mean that it will take effect tomorrow. I have to remember my own life and how it is a journey and it builds upon itself. What my students are learning now I pray will sink into their hearts as they continue to search for God and follow His ways. My job is only to lay some of the brick - I may never see the end result - until we are all in heaven. However, right now it gets discouraging when there are little steps taken backwards when you had seen progress being made. Mad props to all you parents out there - I have a new appreciation for everything you do!

I'm also very excited to report that through the fund-raising of all the students at my school we were able to purchase brand new flip flops for all the children at La Puerta del Cielo Children's Home! The owner of the shop were we bought the sandals even gave us a special deal on them! It was very exciting for Donna, Claudio and I to go and give each child their own pair of flip flops. They were excited to receive them. And not only that, but we were able to get the materials to put up a net-like shade to provide some respite from the intense sun in the back play area and also to keep their balls in the yard. Every time we go to play within 5 minutes the balls we bring have gone over the wall usually never to be seen again. God is so good in his provision and allowing us to be able to help in this way. I am so excited to be able to be His hands and feet. Friends of ours are putting up the shade while I'm here in the States - I can't wait to go back and see the finished product! Our next project for the kids is to purchase brand new shoes for when they start school in mid-February. The shoes they have right now have holes or don't properly fit their feet. We are hoping to be able to buy shoes for each child that fits their feet. If anyone is interested in helping us with this, send me a message and I can let you know how. Some of you have already given money for the shoes and I am extremely grateful. THANK YOU!

Well, tomorrow is Christmas - I can't believe it! A year ago I was anticipating an email from my current boss with information on coming to Argentina. Now I have an entire year under my belt and I'm loving my current place in life. God is so good! I can't wait to see family tomorrow that I haven't seen in quite some time because of traveling.

Peace to you from the God of all Peace. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Feliz Navidad
kait

Summertime Thanksgiving

Crisp night air after a cool evening shower.
Smooth jazz fills the patio.
An occasional breeze whisps through the garden.
Does tonight have to end?

The jazz takes me away and chases every thought of returning to work in the morning out of my mind. Could today be any more perfect? Oh yeah, the beach trip on Thursday. It is very difficult to imagine that Thanksgiving is in a few days. We are in the midst of an ever approaching summer here. All I can see in front of me are long summer days, not chilled winter nights. As I reflect on today, it seems more like a dream than anything else. Now I am counting down the days until the beach.

The trip to Iguazu was suddenly postponed so that more of our friends could join us. As a result an even more spontaneous trip to the coast was planned and I find myself 2 long days away from hearing the waves lap at the sand. I am beyond excited. My camera is already in hand. What am I thankful for this year?

-my super supportive family
-my equally supportive home church family
-an amazing group of students that I have the opportunity to mentor every day
-a school unlike any other. Right now, I wouldn't trade you for the world!
-awesome roommates - I love you girls so much!
-my camera
-Argentina and everything that goes with this unique country
-The One who has been with me from day 1 and never leaves my side even when I try to run.
-jazz.....wait for it because I'm gone again in the music....

"When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrow like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot
Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul."

-kait

November's Not So Cold

Life at school has been a whirlwind. October was filled with preparations for our accreditation visit and then the actual visit (now we have to wait until February for the official word on the outcome of the visit). After the team left, the following week we enjoyed 2 days off school due to the Argentine Census. We had to wait in our house for a whole day until someone came to ask us questions or collect our already prepared paperwork. We waited all day and no one came, so we were never counted that we are aware of. The next day was given to use by the education board in Argentina because so many teachers across the country volunteered with the census. During census day, we received news that the former president (and husband of the current president) had died suddenly. I believe it was due to on going heart problems. The country was in mourning for 3 days following his death.


Directly following the 2 days off, was my birthday. The girls helped me celebrate my 24 years beautifully. They made our traditional house "birthday breakfast" and then in the evening we invited friends from school over to help us celebrate with burgers on our built-in charcoal grill, called a Parilla (par-ee-jah). It was also the birthday of 2 co-workers, so we all partied together. =)


The day after my birthday was the Spring Fling at school, a type of Fall Festival, only in the spring, as a Halloween substitute. I was the organizer of this event and we had games, candy, face painting, an inflatable bouncy thing and candy. It was a successful and very enjoyable night for all that attended. I was grateful for all the helpers I had from high school students working for community service hours to teachers and staff who came to support the event. Way to go all! It was a lot of fun.

Now we are settling into November. The air is getting hotter, and the kids are getting antsier, but life is going well in the classroom. There are 4 new children at the children's home since I've last written. None of them are related, 2 babies, an 11 year old boy and 12 year old girl. We are working on organizing practical ways to help the home more than just visits every other week. Donna and I are excited about what we are hoping to do.

Some of my roommates and I are planning a trip to Iguazu Falls for Thanksgiving, I'm getting excited about that, and then before you know it, I'll be back in the States visiting for the Winter Holidays. Time is flying so quickly. I'm looking forward to seeing some of you when I am home. Thank you for your continued support and prayers!

chau!
kait

When September Showers Bring October Flowers

1 de Octubre 2010. I love October.
I'm going to be 24 in 28 days...maybe that's why I love October so much.
This year I get to share my birthday with 2 co-workers. Never had to share before, but I'm kinda excited.

Life is beautiful. Difficult. Beautiful. It is so beautiful because God is forever faithful. He is faithful in the little things. This week at school I was having a hard time concentrating and getting focused for the day. Before raising the flag I asked a co-worker to pray for me for peace. In that moment she stopped, put her hand on my shoulder and prayed. The presence of our Father was there. "When peace like a river attendeth my way..." the peace came. It was a very good day with my students.


About 2 weeks ago we had Spirit Week at school. We had special chapels and different dress-up themes each day. School spirit was boosted and I pray that hearts were ministered to. It was that week that the ownership of my class was sealed. We competed with each of the other classes for points for a pizza party. We didn't win, but my kids participated well and I was so proud of them. I wanted us to win so badly. That week I found myself very upset inside over a small competition that we may have unfairly lost. Later I was defeated because of another competition we would inevitably lose (and we did) and since then I have been concentrating those feelings on care for my students. We are learning so much together. I love my students.

Next weekend I'll be going back to the children's home. We are hoping to make these visits bi-weekly because they are so special to all of us. I miss the kids when I don't get to see them. The last time we went I had a blast playing with my sunglasses with several of them. We modeled them in the mirror and took funny pictures. I have several requests for pictures to print and bring for them next week.

I've been listening to the podcasts by Mars Hill Church in Chicago. They have been powerfully speaking to my life. If anyone wants to understand the life of an ex-patriate(someone living in a country other than their own) like myself, check out the podcast "Clay Hearts" by Shane Hipps. He explains living as an exile very well.

God is faithful. Even when life is most difficult.

September was a bit rainy, hoping that October is full of flowers and sunshine.

Clay-hearted-exile,
kait

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