Despidiendo 2015.

Despedir is to say goodbye, which is exactly what it is time to do with 2015. I can't believe this year has gone by as fast as it has, and yet so much as happened that it only seems right to have taken a year. One year ago today I was with my parents in Mendoza exploring the Andes on the Chilean border getting ready to come back to ring in 2015. Now I'm weeks shy of [anxiously] getting ready to get back to them!

One year ago on January 1 having lunch with my parents and great friends in the city!

This year started off on a really high note, or low, having to say goodbye to my parents. But that wouldn't last long becuase shortly thereafter I went off to Guatemala to a singles' retreat with the company and saw all my FPO family. It was awesome, drinking delicious hot chocolate, eating Taco Bell, and climbing volcanoes. I had such a good time. I came home, had some hard conversations which resulting in losing a best friend, but you can't have it all.  Oh, but what did come from the retreat? God spoke to me (He always chooses to reveal big plans in January...) and confronted me about seminary. I've always been very reluctant about going back to school, and God changed my heart that week and ever since then I've been very excited to say I'm going to seminary to study Biblical Counseling! I just don't know where yet. I won't know that until I know to what end I want to serve as a counselor.

the city gate of Antigua, Guatemala. 

Roasting 'mallows with Misty on the volcano!

Other highlights of my year..... include my birthday trip (to myself from myself) to Iguazu Falls!! I loved it so much more than I thought I would! I was going to be going alone until my awesome coworker Ruth selflessly offered to go ;) I always learn so much when I'm with her and will always cherish those few days we had together.

Iguazu! Gorgeous, and so far north it borders Brazil!

In July, my best friend from home came!! She gave me about a 3 weeks notice but boy was I ever excited when she bought her ticket! We had a blast being tourists (there are things after a year that I still hadn't discovered) and being here mid-year she got to be a part of my Bible studies. It was a real treat to be able to take her around.

Yay to Emily's visit!!! :)

We had teams com in March and in June/July. After that, they just stopped coming. [If I'm going to be honest on the missionary side here, it's really hard when churches don't uphold their side of the commitment. Not only are the churches here looking forward and expecting you to come, so are we. In churches with 200+ members and dates in advance, money is no substitute for the sending of persons to partner alongside Argentine churches.] So there you have it. The last 1/3 of my term I didn't see or work with any volunteer teams, but that's fine, it just allowed more time where I was already at work.

People here love meeting the teams almost as much as I love talking to new people from the states. Every person brings a new story with them!

I went a long time after Iguazu before leaving again, then in September I took my long awaited trip to Machu Picchu with other girls from Mexico and Peru... it was well worth all the planning. Then again in November I took my last trip to the glaciers in the Patagonian south...El Calafate. This time solo for real. It was the most gorgeous thing for real. Can't even be mad that I was alone.

Oh hey Machu Picchu

Calafate...also gorgeous. So far south!

This wouldn't be complete without some news from home. In August at my niece's 2nd birthday we got news that she's going to be a BIG sister this next year... coming March 2016! So exciting that when I get home I won't have a long wait until I'm made aunt again! This is an even greater blessing because one of my best friends here is pregnant and I won't be here for the birth. So, I'm missing one special birth for another. Also, in May, another best friend from home got engaged! I was relieved when she said her wedding would be over a year away so that I wouldn't have to miss it. And imagine my surprise when after 6 month and 3 countries, she asked me to be a bridesmaid!?

4 months to go!! (guessing??)

You're gonna have to turn your head, but that says missent to JAMAICA!

2015 was a year of growth I think. A year of challenge for sure. Things I wish I could fix, I can't. While I definitely don't believe in or "do" new years resolutions, I do have a list of improvements and things to work on in my life. This year God brought me new friends that I so wished I'd had in 2014, and I lost cherished friends from 2014 that I'll probably never have again. Life is funny sometimes in the way people move in and out. But at least when they're there, the least you can do is be a friend and praying for them. And even after there gone, still pray for them. At least that's what I'm learning to do.

xo, B

This is me on Christmas Eve, or Christmas at midnight technically. Cheers!

Noel. Emmanuel. Merry Christmas.

Wow, I haven't written in almost two months, and when I did it was to talk about my last trip. Since then, I've gone on another (amazing!!) trip, sola, and been wrapping up with goodbyes, not presents.

I was going to start my annual end of the year post, but I thought, why rush things, we still have the birth of our Savior to celebrate, so behold, a Christmas post.

I'm actually semi getting our house decorated for Christmas. Around Thanksgiving I put out our mini tree and the lights up. When you leave in January, it's never too soon to decorate. Christmas just don't feel like Christmas this year. Not only is it not cold or snowy, but even more so, I'm not going to be with my parents. This time last year I was anticipating their arrival. I'm not super sad to not be with them given that in less than a month we'll be together again, but it will be the first time ever to not wake on the 25th with them. Praise God for the families He's given me here at my side.

Another reason it doesn't seem like Christmas is because we haven't sung any Christmas carols at church yet this year! So, I'm counting to fit them all in tomorrow. Haha. It's been me on my own listening to a variety on youtube to get my caroling and Christmas hymns in.

One in particular hit really close to heart this year as I was listening one morning that I'm sure you know. O Holy Night in first few stanzas says:

O Holy Night

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world in sin and e'er pining

'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

I was wonderstruck when I realized what we're singing about a thrill of hope. Imagine the scenery. The Jews are living under Roman control waiting desperately for this Messiah. It was a weary world they lived in, paying taxes (can I get an Amen?) and submitting to a government you are not in agreement with? (double that Amen) Then comes this Angel to Mary saying she will give birth to a Savior! What?! That is cause for rejoicing!! 

Is it not the same today? Don't we live in a weary, weary world?? Troubles at every trouble. I mean every corner you look I see restless people. BUT. The message of hope is the same. There is hope. Because Jesus Christ is the same. Yesterday. Today. Forever, his word promises it! And he cannot change. He cannot break his promise. Look it up! Hebrews 13:8.  

This Christmas season I've had two friends I've been watching walk through terrible awful familiar situations, and in one, God healed completely. The other, God has showed his power and grace in other ways. I think of them as I write this knowing that God is sovereign in ALL things, good and bad, to receive the glory for all. While we don't always understand this side of heaven what we go through, we can be sure He doesn't allow us to go through any trial that isn't without benefit for He loves us as his children. 

With that same prayer and confidence, I enter into this next week remembering that Christ our Savior entered this world with a mission, to be God with us, teaching us (because we're so fallen and hard headed) but with patience and loving us to the cross. We too need to love our neighbors, with patience, pointing them to the cross.

Peru

Peru, I wish I could have come up with a more creative title. Maybe I will, but for now, I'm just going to leave it at that. The reason for this post is two-fold: I can share some of my favorite pictures with comments, AND I can re-live my trip with you one day at a time. So I'll always remember one of my favorite adventures.

I have known since I found out I was coming to Argentina that I was going to go to visit Machu Picchu. There were a lot of unknowns in there, like with whom? When? For how long? But God's hand provided just the right people and time to go. When I went to a singles retreat in January, earlier that year, I threw it out to all the ladies that I wanted to take this trip and see how many would be interested. There was a fairly good response, and as the days passed, I had three loyal friends to join. Two ladies who serve in Peru (one of whom I went to training with) and another from Mexico.

I finally decided I would take a full week trip so I could visit with my friend Misty who lives in Lima. Lima was so fun because not only did I get to see her life, but we got some much needed catching up. I also have lots of Peruvian friends in Buenos Aires so I was excited to get to know there country personally. I even got to meet up with two friends that had returned home to study! Anyway, so Misty had just visited Machu Picchu the month before us and wasn't going with us, but she was a great hostess. The whole trip was organized by a local Peruvian, Michel, who did a great job making this trip very affordable for us! Thankful for his organization, though there was a lot of communication to get there.

So, starting at the beginning... day 1. I leave BA early for my flight to arrive in Lima by lunch and take advantage of a full day. And that I did! My friend Diego came to pick me up at the airport and we went to Misty's house. We didn't stay long there because we were off to lunch and the historic center of Lima, with Diego our tour guide. Candace joined us in this moment too and we didn't get back until 8 pm! We went downtown, got money, ate lunch, souvenir shopped and did a LOT of tourism.  Diego took up us to Cerro San Cristobal which is a big hill in the middle of the city with a lookout. A thing about Lima is that it is normally very cloudy, but never rains. Well, we got some sunshine on this day!! Happy me! Diego brought us back home that night and we ordered Papa John's pizza, (woot!!) and then slept hard that night.

Cathedral in Historic Center of Lima

The next morning (day #2) Candace and I had a few hours to tour on our own before our midday flight to Cusco. So, we wanted to head to the Inca Market to buy some souvenirs because everyone told us they were so much more expensive in Cusco. We also went by some ruins that are right there in the heart of Lima. How cool! We then headed back to the apt and eat lunch at the airport. Our flight left on time and we arrived to Cusco without a hitch. It was just Candace and I because the other two girls flew out the day beforehand. So, we got the the airport and were looking for our ride... for a long time. I didn't see anything with my name and nobody was looking for us. After 30 minutes of waiting outside, a kind guy let us use his phone to call the company and it turns out there were looking for 4 girls and not two. ANYWAY... we got checked in to the hotel and rested before heading out to see the city center and eat dinner.  Oh, and everyone talks about the altitude problems in Cusco, but we drank Coca tea in the plane and again at the hotel.

Ruins in the middle of Miraflores, Lima

Fresh coca tea

Day #3 we had a city tour of Cusco. It didn't start until midday so we had the morning to wander, take pictures, and eat lunch. It was beautiful that morning and then rained for a few hours right as our tour was about to start. We went to about 5 or 6 different archeological sites there around town and the sky cleared up and it was beautiful!! It also gets chilly at night because you're in the mountains, but it was warm when the sun was out! Mainly because you're so close up to the sun.  After a day of touring, we came back to eat and pack our bags for the next morning, a trip out to the Sacred Valley and on to Machu Picchu! There's a limit on how much luggage each person can take, so we had to bring only what was necessary for those two nights. (good thing I had a big backpack!)

Day #4 We left early that morning heading out with our small bags and got on a bus to head to the Sacred Valley. We had 3 stops: Pisac, lunch, and Ollataytambo. It was so much climbing!! Not for the weak at heart. But, we saw some many beautiful sights. In O, we had to climb 250 stairs WITH those backpacks. It was so much. But, afterwards we got to the train station and just rested on the 1.5 hour ride to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu tour.

Pisac

Ollataytambo, at the end of the Sacred Valley

Day #5 We had a calm morning in the hotel and left without rush to the bus to head up the mountain to Machu Picchu. We stayed the night before and were planning to stay that night after, which we felt was the best choice. We got in the park about 9am and stayed until they were pushing us out at 4:30. We entered the park with a guide and were with him for about 2 hours. We bought tickets that included the hike to Wayna Picchu. Seriously, the hardest thing in my life!! Climbing straight up a cliff!! Madness.  We had to enter by 11 to get in because it was an hour climb to the top. We got up there and ate our "lunch." Then there was more hiking to be done. We wanted to take a jumping picture (goal of the whole week, #fail) but a guard saw us spreading out for it and threatened to delete our pictures if we did it. Then he told us it was already time to start getting down. But we hadn't even reached the top yet!! Some slight begging and he allowed us up and then even took our pictures. The climb down Wayna Picchu was just as long as the climb up, some how. We took one bathroom break then headed back in the park to head to the Sungate. This was another 2ish hour hike. They both had great views, and the sun came out the second half of the day, so I definitely got burned.  We left the park after that because they wouldn't allow us to wander anymore with the 30 minutes we had so we headed back to the hotel. After showering and resting, we went out for a great dinner. Dessert afterwards, obviously. We went to bed fairly early that night, as you can imagine...

Machu Picchu town of Aguas Calientes

Feeling like Champions on top!

Day #6 we started the journey back to Cusco (Lima, really) on the first train that morning that took us back to Ollataytambo. From there, we rode back to Cusco in a van and had time for a quick lunch. Since Candace and I had a later flight, we took advantage of the sunny day and walked around to some Cathedrals and museums. We headed of to the airport without a hitch, only to find out while waiting at the gate that our flight was delayed. First it was only an hour, then after that hour passed they came back and said it was delayed again, for mechanical reasons. We got into Lima pretty late, and Diego had agreed to come look for us again. I was really worried he wasn't going get my messages about the change in flights but luckily he did! So we went to dinner and had another late night while Candace was getting ready to leave the next day.

A sunny day in Cusco!

Day #7 I had the whole day to myself in Lima and was nice to not have anywhere to be. Misty and I finally got to spend time together by going to the affinity office for prayer time. Then we had lunch and ran some errands around town and wore ourselves out! Diego came back that afternoon to meet me on the coast, the Malecón with another friend of ours, Hector who had returned over a year ago. After some time on the coast, I went to dinner at Chili's (!!) with Misty, the two girls who I had just gone to Machu Picchu with, and another jman serving in Lima. We ate dinner, laughed a lot, went home to watch Minions and baked sweets. It was the perfect way to end my time, that I almost didn't want to come home.

Diego (L) and Hector (R) are Peruvians who used to live in Buenos Aires

Day #8 I left for a noon flight back to BA which was essentially a full day of travel.  That morning I had a very short visit with Misty but it was basically waiting for the taxi to come get me for the airport.

Blooming

 

It's been a while since I've updated anything about my life, what God is showing me, how I'm doing and all I have been up to. So, I thought I'd appropriately (and ironically) title this Bloom to show where things are growing since I last shared much. The irony is that for 3 weeks now we've been in Spring and are still having some of the coldest nights yet.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. -Psalm 90:12

In the last few months, we haven't had any teams (the last was in July) and I just found out we won't have any more coming for the rest of my term. It could be really easy to complain and be sad about that, but I'm not going to give that any of my time when there is so much to focus on here.

Knowing that I'm leaving in 3 short months has starting putting pressure on myself...to see results, which is good on the business professional side, but horrible for the disciple side. Yes, I need to work diligently while still here (cf. John 9:4), but I cannot be sure of seeing any results. Doesn't mean they aren't going to happen, it just means God's time scale is different and longer than what I would choose (how often is that the truth?) So I cling to God's great promises, knowing He cannot lie or change, and trust by faith for when my work yields fruit.

The small groups I attend are still going strong. We're almost done with John in Puerto Madero and considering Acts next if the others in the group want to. It's been 5 whole months in 1 gospel. Don't you love how rich God's word is that it alone is sufficient and we don't need prepared studies to be students of Christ?? In La Boca we're awaiting the birth of little Benjamin any day now!! We're no longer in the pizza shop, which isn't a bad thing, but it does put the pressure on finding a place to meet.

That's the short of the working side of my life, if you'll call it that. 

I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.  Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices; let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops. -Isaiah 42:8-11

I have been on 2 great trips in the last month. I will not call either one refreshing because one was physically the hardest thing I think I've ever done in my life, and the other a mental challenge for the weekend. 

I had a week long trip to Peru. And I fell in love. With Peru, just to clarify. The food there is delicious, this much we already know, but the views, the nature.... and Peruvians are just nice people. How could I not love it! I want to go back to see other parts of the country, but it may be a while before that happens. I went with some other company girls to visit the great Machu Picchu and we were blessed! By each others' company, the weather.. in every aspect. (Maybe I'll do a more in depth Peru post about what I did visiting Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu for readers with future ganas de ir a Machu Picchu)

Next, I went to a retreat/camp/meeting for ABA Jovenes which is just like youth group but older for the Argentine Baptist Association. We had it in Córdoba which was a 10 hour fun filled adventure in a bus! (see the sarcasm?) Really it wasn't terrible... with 2 stops driving all night we made it in plenty of time. [Note to Americans, why can't you do a 10 hour road trip with only 2 stops?? I remember going 5 hours to Branson with the youth group and had to stop 4 times to let people go to the bathroom.] We had two really great speakers and they talked about being protagonists in the story (or maybe it was in history.. still not sure). How God is THE protagonist, but as his disciples we too are protagonists in where we are. It was great to hear a Christ centered speaker with a heart for God's word. You could hear his passion in the way he preached, and assuming it wasn't just a camp high, a lot of youth were called by God to commit or a decision of some sort. 

So, why wasn't all this refreshing? I'm not against 10 hour bus drives, it's economical when you have a group. But I felt all weekend long I had on 'Merica cap, without evening intentionally putting it on. It was so clear in the way I skipped dinner to go to bed at 11PM to the fact I came to breakfast first every day expecting to leave on time, that you can take the girl out of America but you cannot take the America out of the girl. I try so hard to adjust but it's hard. Oh and did I mention I got sick with a horrible cold and the pharmacy didn't have the meds I needed? I hope I don't sound like ALL complaints here, because it was a good trip and I am thankful for the way the people looked after me. Not only when I was coughing and chugging 2L of water, but just in the in between. The family of God is good.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. -Romans 12:2

A note on me. I'm doing well and still learning a lot. I got to go to a 9Marks conference last week and WOW. If you ever have the chance to listen to them or read their material, please do yourself a favor and do it!! For two nights I sat in with pastors and leaders from all around BA, Argentina, and other South American countries listening to 5 men speak (yep, the conference was in Spanish without translators!) about the Church and Christ and God's word. I left refreshed and challenged which I think is always a good thing. 

I've been doing a Bible Study with the other missionary ladies on my team called the Truth Project. It's a DVD series of 16 weeks I think looking at a Biblical worldview. I highly recommend it, but it isn't easily accessible. You have to complete the series as a "student" to place the order for it as I understand. It's also been a really challenging study to look at every little thing that enters our mind and test it with God's word, and make sure we're not making any assumptions or buying into any either. This study has again strengthened my love for the sufficiency of God's word in our life.

God is still revealing to me areas of my life where I need to let go and change, but I'm telling you it's hard! The process of sanctification is one of the most difficult things because it is showing us our ugly; Our personal sin that we love and don't want to get rid of, but if we're ever going to be like Christ, there is no other way. I'm thankful to God for his mercy and love! That He still pursues me and chasing me, a sinner as I am, knowing my sins past present and future, yet He calls me his own.

Tunesday Tuesday.

I believe in God our Father, I believe in Christ the Son, I believe in the Holy Spirit, our God is three in one!!

I have not been able to get this chorus out of my head. It's called This I Believe (The Creed) which the whole song is not bad to have stuck in your head all day, in my opinion. What do you think?

Tunesday Tuesday.

Oh, Adele. You've got that voice that is just smooth as butter.

I remember when this song came out in college and it was every girl's favorite jam. Thorwing it back to 2011 tonight:

Someone Like You from Adele's album 21.

Tunesday Tuesday.

It's time for another post from my favorite Ben. His new album, Brand New, drops THIS Friday, so be sure to get it!! He released this painfully adorable music video last week of a song off his upcoming album. It's called "Paris" and the melody is just so Ben. Hope you enjoy!