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!

A Week in the Life of...

Sometimes you may wonder what my life actually looks like, or a day, looks like for the typical missionary. Well, there's no easy answer. Mornings are late and nights are later. There is no "schedule" and you never know when plans are going fall through or be canceled - for the 3rd time.

Now after a year and a half in, I have a "routine" but that doesn't mean I'm set in my ways because there is still a lot of flexibility in my schedule!

Sundays, you guessed it, I go to church. I am not assigned to one particular church, but rather when I first arrived was able to visit a number of churches in the city before choosing where I would go. I stayed with Villa Mitre, which is right in the heart of the city. Almost "suburbs" of city apartments if you can imagine. People don't go to Villa Mitre to work, they live there. I hope that makes sense. A lot of Porteños don't even know where the barrio is, so I have to explain more or less streets in the area or give them an idea. THIS CITY IS SO HUGE. . . Anyway, so Sundays there is Sunday school followed by church. The rest of the day I can eat lunch with people, or spend it however I want. The weekend here is people's time to get OUT, not really a napping indoor thing like Baptists at home tend to do ;)

Mondays, I catch up on e-mails, laundry, and grocery shop. I go to a Bible study that is in Recoleta at 5:30, followed by a prayer meeting at 7, then service at 8. I usually get home around 10 and have dinner afterwards. (If I'm lucky it's Crystal's night to cook ;)  This part of town is what they call "old money" and it is evident not only in the buildings, but even in Bible study. People coming in suits, their style of dress.. you just are made aware of where you're at. And It's great, because this part of the city only has 1 Evangelical Baptist church for the 157,932 persons living there.

I pass this flower outside the Law School in Recoleta every Monday coming home.

Tuesdays I spend my afternoon into evening with my good friend, Araceli. We have tea together and study the Bible. I met here in the Monday night study at Recoleta and for over a year we have been meeting.  I used to go to another couple's house for dinner after Araceli's, but the woman's health hasn't been doing well this winter. She and her husband are like my grandparents of BA. Tuesdays are easily one of my favorite days!

Me with Araceli

Wednesdays I have all day to organize with people how I want to. Our Puerto Madero Bible Study happens this night and I leave my house about 7 to get down there and return home around 11. Then it's time for dinner :)

Puerto Madero is prettiest at night and I pass by this landmark pedestrian bridge every week

Thursday we have our bi-weekly team meeting, which I am so thankful for. Thursday night I have my small group with church in Villa Mitre. It's at 8:30 so I go an hour early to discuss the night's material with my co-leader. We finish up and I get home around 10:30, usually. Then, as you can imagine.. I eat dinner.

My small group has become like a small family to me. This was for my birthday.

Friday I try to attend a Bible study in La Boca that my boss and his wife have been leading for about 3 or maybe more years now. We meet in a pizzeria at 6:30 when the sun goes down and shops start to close up in the famous Caminito district of the barrio. There we sing worship songs and study the Word for a few hours before riding back home together.

Thousands of tourists pass through Caminito "the little street" daily

Saturdays are, obviously, one of the better days for getting to meet up with people in the city, if there isn't a special event or activity planned with a church. Every Saturday night I try to go to youth group here, which is not intended for high schoolers necessarily, but more 16-30 year olds. People studying, people working; anyone is welcome. Until you marry and have kids..... then you're pretty much out of the group.  Again, this is like at 7-8 start time, and finishes around 10 or so. Sometimes you eat there with friends. Otherwise dinner is on your own.

So, there you have my week, more or less; and no two are ever the same. I adore this city and the people and God is welcome to change any of the above if it is necessary for bringing His name more glory in mi Buenos Aires querido.

An Open Prayer to the Future Hubs.

My mind often wanders to some of the strangest things late night on the colectivos (buses) that bring me home. Tonight in particular, I was not distracted per say, but let's just call it like it is: there were good looking men on the bus. This is Argentina, after all.

So how do I appreciate God's good creation in a fine looking man? Well, I thank God for his creation (no, seriously) but what it really draws me to do is pray for my future husband, God willing I have one. Because while on the outside this man may be good looking, I know nothing about his heart, which is where the wellspring of life flows from (Proverbs 4:23).

There are so many ways to pray for my future husband, right? I mean SO many ways. And that's before even knowing him. Lord help me when I have character and real issues to intercede on behalf of! Tonight though, I thought it would be a good idea to pray for the armor of God. I know it's something in theory we put on everyday, but I thought, how could I specifically apply all of these to him?

Ephesians 6:11-17 we specifically find the armor, as stated:

¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

So, amidst several things I seek, I think this passage gives great insight not only into how we can pray, but also what God wants for every one of his children.

The belt of truth. His Word is truth and by it we are sanctified, being made new. Does he know truth, that we mutually agree on?
The breastplate of righteousness. Does he leak Jesus? I know I don't always leak Jesus, and I can't expect him to 100% of the time because we're not perfect, but by God's grace and power of the Holy Spirit, we are made righteous by the blood of Christ Jesus. This I pray for my future husband.
The shoes (...) that put on the readiness by the gospel of peace. Is he willing and ready to always give a reason for the hope that he has? Can he challenge me and push me to be a better witness.
The shield of faith. Will he lead me and our household as Christ does the Church? When hard times and things of this world come our way, can he hold up this shield and say "our faith will not be shaken" because we have a firm foundation.
The helmet of salvation. Oh Lord, does he know you, today? If not, bring him now to your presence so he can grow in knowledge and wisdom. This helmet guards the most central part which cannot be taken away from us.
The sword of the Spirit. Does he know the Word, love the Word? It is sharper than any double edged sword because it cuts straight to the heart. I want him to have a hunger for it and it to constantly be on his lips.

There you have it. I new way to spiritually lift up my husband, Lord willing. Like I said, today there is so much more that needs to be taken into account. I've never been super animada about the idea of praying for a future husband, because - in case you missed it - it sounds presumptuous (hence all the "Lord willing's").  But, Lord willing [there it is again... I just can't!] He brings a man into my life, I don't want to say I never prayed for him. Given the way our world is today, young men could really use all the prayer they could against the things of this world... girls and the media aren't helping young guys, at all. Let's help a brother out.

Xo,
B

5 mos. and counting

It's been a long time since I've written and there's a few reasons for that.

1. I've been busy with teams, and until now my life hadn't returned to normalcy.
2. I, as per usual, didn't know what to say. I don't like writing a lot unless I am sure of what I'm saying. To get on my blog and just write about how I went to Fulana's to make tacos doesn't seem profitable to anyone. I feel like I need to have a passion to write something (ha, I almost wrote inspired by the Holy Spirit. I am not writing the 5th gospel).

Now that it's mid-August, the summer teams have all come and gone and yet I'm looking at my calendar, with only 5 months left until my return home. Unbelievable.

Something I've been confronting lately is this reality and struggle we have when we desire so much more for people and all we can do is pray for them. And wait.

There is a specific group I have in mind and we have had so many great discussions, but arrive at different conclusions. Life is often like that isn't it? We want more - the best - for people, who reject it for themselves.

I have faith, and pray to God who can make all things happen that there will be a day when they will have understanding and their eyes will be open to the things we are discussing now, but until then, it is so hard.  To wait, and trust in His timing is so difficult.

Especially when there's a 5 month countdown.

So, in the meantime, I've been finding my prayers more fervent (why now more than before.. good question. Eternity has always been at stake since day 1). Asking God that even if I don't see anything change from now until the I leave, that for their sake the seeds we have sown would continue to grow and through other means and the work of the Holy Spirit, bear fruit in one day yet to come.

My heart is heavy knowing that a day is coming will I leave leave from here to head home. Maybe I didn't do all that I expected to do. Were my expectations too high? My supervisors or the job description too high for me? I'm not sure.  But I'm taking great comfort in knowing I don't accomplish anything on my own nor in my own power. For it is all by the work of He who goes before and He who will also bring it to completion.

Tunesday Tuesday.

I am a Child of God. No other title matters.

Love Wins.

Lately my mind has come back to the white elephant in the room, if you will. I have avoided posting anything about it on my personal social media because I fear people unlike myself want their voices heard (read: I don't comment on controversial issues on facebook). Since I'm sure nobody reads my blog besides maybe 2 readers and it's really just an online diary, I've decided to write something. :)

My heart is so saddened and hurting for my generation, my nation which I have no choice but to call a hypocrite nation. One who laments with the murders of 9 a church shooting, but rejoices in evil in the face of a Holy God. 

So what then can I do? What do I do? I feel so hopeless and helpless when I look all around me and people I have been raised with in youth group and taught along side in college youth are now posting rainbow pictures and liking same-sex posts.  I think I feel saddest the most by those people because I expect more from them. I have plenty gay friends and am not offended by their celebrating, I see why. But from the believers: Is this the future of the Church?

I feel so counter culture. Anti-American.

Christ tells his followers in Luke 9:23 that if anyone wants to come after him, he is called to deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Christ. A cross is much more than a fashion statement. It is a means to die by. I think it goes without saying this includes your comforts and fleshly desires.

Homosexuality is a desire of the flesh and I believe with the power of the Holy Spirit it is possible to control it. It is a sin just like any other but the difference between it and heterosexuality is that one God created (Genesis 2:23-24) and the other man created (Genesis 19:4-7, Romans 1:26-27). Clearly heterosexuals can and do sin when they enter into pornography, adultery, and premarital sex.  

So why then as a 26 year old do I feel so against the grain, countering culture for my beliefs? Because Christ calls us to die to ourselves by taking up our cross daily. It's not easy and neither is going against culture. Which is why I think a lot of people do it instead of standing for what it right.

And how do I respond?

On my knees. Asking the God of mercy for just that - mercy. He is the only one who can convict and turn the hearts of the people.

And another thing. The 5 Justices? They too will answer to a God one day being held responsible for their decisions.  (As will all of us).

The United States is not the first country to legalized same-sex marriages, nor will it be the last. Go talk to the Christians in the countries where it's been legal for a while, they can provide testimony that it will be okay. I know it's hard to swallow right now. I'm sure the evangelicals the Roe v. Wade decision was made also had a hay day, and if facebook had existed back then, it would have been the talk of the web then too.

Fellow Christian, please be an example of love. John tell us in his gospel that we will be known by our love to others. Let us show the love of Christ, but ever so cautiously with your words during this sensitive time.

Love has already won 2000 years ago and it's because of that love we can (and should) live in peace with others. And love will win again when He comes again in His final glory.

Articles I've agreed with for further reading:

http://www.faithit.com/5-things-jesus-would-say-to-the-gay-community/
http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2015/06/26/but-what-does-the-bible-say/

Four Wall Christian Homes.

I lived in my Christian 4-wall house for far too long. And I think a lot of Americans still do, if I'm not wrong.

And I don't mean we don't know pop culture or the world. I think we do that a little too well.

Let me explain. 

I was reading a really great book last week, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, and in it we hear the story of a devout Muslim raised in America come to faith over a 4 year journey in college. One of the things that amazed me reading this book was that this boy raised as a Pakistani Muslim, knew so much of the Bible. Now, facts or twisted truths, that's a different story. But none the less, his family had a KJV Bible in the house growing up and when talking to Christians as a Muslim, he could refute their faith, always anticipating what they were going to say. This amazed me! Growing up Baptist, we never learn anything about any other religions. Is that not the truth? To this day I have trouble knowing the difference because Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, honestly.

So, maybe when I say American Christians live in their 4-wall houses, I mean their Christian home and there is nothing else. No rooms, closets, no where to find out about other religions. NOBODY but Jesus in that household.

Now clearly I'm not wanting idols. Far from it! I also think we make idols out of the smallest things, from iPhones to husbands, but we'll save that for another day ;)

But is it bad to talk about those other religions within the home?? I never once growing up talked about Orthodox Judaism or Islam. What I learned about it was from the television. Reverse that. Do I want Muslims or Jews learning about Christians from what they see of it portrayed on t.v.?? Heck to the NO!  They make us out to be pious no fun duds!!

How are we supposedly to evangelize and teach truth if we don't know what we're speaking against? I realize the Bible stands for itself, but if we don't know what others believe and teach, how will we know what angles they have? We'll be blindsided.

Or how about Ramadan. I really don't think I knew anything about that growing up, but now I know more, finding that it's maybe the second most important month in the Muslim calendar? It's their holy month, full of fasting and seeking Allah. And it's known that during this time God often reveals himself to them in visions and dreams! It's a wonderful month to celebrate in prayer in fasting alongside them and I encourage you to look it up if you don't know much about it here.

I'm so grateful to God for making me aware of many things now, but I feel like it was a cost to myself. But the good, is that now I have a lifetime left to discover how to use what I know and to continue studying it!

Tunesday Tuesday.

Embracing Accusation by Shane and Shane. We'll call this a celebratory post since the guys are working on a new album, Psalms 2!!! :)

(As You) Go - My Vacation to the Falls.

So a few weeks ago I had the great joy of taking vacation to Iguazu Falls. Have you heard of it? Maybe you've seen my pictures?

 

There, that's the falls. As seen from the Brazil side. I thought "seen one set of 'falls' seen 'em all, right? WRONG. Niagara falls has NOTHING on Iguazu. Below: Niagara 

Niagara. Not impressive, I know.

 I'll post more photos of Iguazu, I promise, but this post (really) isn't about the beauty of the falls. 

It's about how even on our vacation, God used my teammate and I to share His truth with Argentine nationals and teach us about this culture we still know so little of.

First, meet Gabriel. This is his Spanish name. He has two other names, I think, one in Guarani which is a tribal name, and then another, in Bu'ah which was a dialect of Guarani. Incredible.

Gabriel was born in the jungle. Just like this picture above shows, he is a natural at building traps. He started going to national schools at 11 years old, and that's when he started learning Spanish. An Argentine, that didn't know Spanish until he was 11 years old! Culture is so rich if you're willing to listen.

Anyway. Gabriel lives with his wife and three kids in a small home with a little bit of electricity (he just doesn't like it; he wasn't raised with it). One weekend per month he comes to this school in the jungle to teach about 100 children the ways and heritage of the Guarani so that the kids don't get any half-truths from the national schools.

Along our jungle tour, Gabriel told us that his father was a Shaman. This was really interesting to me for several reasons. In college, I did my capstone project over shamanism. When you confront that in real life with your beliefs and knowing truth, it is a strong dissonance. 

Then there was the fact that I hear about these tribes, and people who are animistic and often are associated with Brazil and Peru, but Argentina? My mind so often drifts to Buenos Aires -- which is anything but tribal. The diversity here is real and my heart longs for them, and for once, I understood and if even for only a fraction, felt like I knew what it felt like for the people working with the Unreached, unengaged people groups all around the world. And that's not even to say that all UUPGs are animistic.

When we started talking to Gabriel about the afterlife, I was curious if he had a spirit, where would it go? He told me we all have a good and bad spirit.  With all due respect, I asked if they were little angels and devils sitting on our shoulders. He laughed and told me no, that they come from the earth and heaven when we're born and then return to where they came from when we die. That simple. 

My friend had to ask him then, where did he learn this? He told us his father, who learned it from his father, and so forth. But there are no books with anything written. Because their language (bu'ah, remember?) is not a written language, it's only spoken.

Oh, how I pray for the Holy Spirit to just open his eyes! Truly, I saw Romans 1:20-23 played out in that very moment. Gabriel chose to give credit the things of God, to things of the gods. 

Yet how often is my sin so similar; choosing to give the credit of things of God to credit of man.

Ruth and I left with him an opportunity to know the cross and he unfortunately never wanted to hear it, and we didn't see him the next few days because our schedule had us out all day. If you think about him, or right now, please pray for Gabriel, that his eyes would be open to Creator God. That God would continue to be merciful in sending people to share truth with him and that he would not reject the beauty that is so evident around him.

my super fun travel partner for the week!

Ok, so you've heard one story of how God moved in my heart teaching or showing me something, but there's more. Enter day 3 of our trip and we're heading to the Argentine side of the falls and up drives this guy is in an unmarked car wanting to give us a ride. Uhhh, no thanks. He circles around. Says he'll do it for the same price as the bus. I see on his window it says "Cristo me guia" or, Christ guides me.  Well that must make everything better! (at this point you probably think we're writing the script for Taken 4, but I assure you, it's okay!)

Ruth and I talk it over and I get in, and before she gets in and shuts the door, she takes one last look at the lisence plate number (how's THAT for contingency training?!?) and we're off to the falls! Our driver's name is Miguel, and he's young, and I quickly ask him what the sticker across his windshield means to him.

"Oooh, that means everything to me." He assures us. He quickly hands us a really old, used Bible and hymnal that was up on the dashboard that I had noticed right after we got in the car. After looking over the Bible, I realized the pages were missing from Genesis 1-4. The pages were a yellow/brown. I had a feeling this had been in the family for a while. He told us he was evangelical, Betuel [note to self: still need to look them up. Every Argentine in BA has not heard of this sect/congregation...]. I mentioned to him our experience with Gabriel and said "so animism must be normal here by the jungle?" and his response?? No, we're about 85% evangelicals in Iguazu. 

Now, Buenos Aires is about 2% evangelical, reached of the 14 million. I cannot fathom this little city being that reached. I didn't see one church! Ruth and I eyed each other in the back seat with a smile to keep from gasping, I think. So, appropriating, she led the next question to explain his relationship with Christ. He talked about how he was raised in the church, going since he was a child with his parents and grandparents, but not once was the word S I N mentioned.

We thanked him for the ride and had his information for the next day to go to the airport. This is where it gets good.

The next morning Miguel came to pick us up with his girlfriend to take us to the airport. We didn't have too much for conversation until on the way to get gas he tells us they saw a snake coming to get us and showed us the picture they took of it. 

I think both Ruth and I were both thinking about how the conversation ended the day before, and wanting to know how to get back to it. Suddenly Ruth asked them if they'd ever heard of the story in the Bible about the snake in the garden. They said no.

This is a 21 year old boy who was raised in an evangelical home driving around with his "Cristo me guia" sticker and Bible in the dashboard and didn't know who the snake in the garden was....SAY WHAT??

So Ruth ever-so-kindly tells them that I'm going to share a story. I went through Genesis 3 with them all the way to the airport, and the whole time, Miguel's eyes were looking back into the rearview mirror. When I explained the moment she picked and ate the fruit, sin entered the world, you know what verse he referenced sin with?? Not Romans 3:23. Not 6:23. Not even 5:8

John 8:7.

But. It was so great to share with him that from that moment, God had a plan for redemption, that the seed of woman, Jesus Christ, would crush the head of the serpent and forever have power over death.

Miguel asked us where to find this story and we said, Genesis 3. Just chapter 3? Genesis 3, God's word, that's it, we told him. Not my word's but His. Remember how I told you that Bible on his dashboard was torn and didn't start until Genesis 5? I pray he and his girlfriend went home and read it and sought truth for themselves.

I am continually seeing how the truth God showed to me from 2 Kings 22 keeps coming around, the importance of the Law, and teaching it to those around us, to your children. This boy who claims to be an evangelical didn't know the story of the garden, of sin. We have to read God's word to know God's word. To know Him.

I think I've written enough here. I just wanted to share about some of the awesome ways God allowed me to be apart of the work and people's live in the part of the country. I could share about Alex the German, but that's just your typical post-modern worldview, and sadly there's so many of those around I feel like there all the same... though I know every person's story is different. Like Alex, who was in town to see Haussentauten. The DeadPANTS. Not DeadPANS. Better to say DeadTROUSERS so someone doesn't misunderstand you. Which can happen in German. If you say Haussentouten it means DeadHARES, like dead rabbits or something, and that's just sad.

Ok really I'm just rambling now. Here are some pictures of this BEAUTIFUL world wonder!!

Enjoy! xo 

so much water

garganta del diablo

rainbow

25 in 25.

I'm just gonna give it to you straight: this year had a lot of ups and downs. Sometimes I wonder if God really just wanted to bring me to Argentina to prove a point to me because I'm that stubborn or what. However, here are some of the things I never would have learned in the States, starting with #1...

1. Not applying heat to your hair for one year with a blow dryer or flat iron can do amazing things. I don't have any split ends!! Let's not talk about white hairs though...
2. A Godly person does not automatically make them a Godly leader. This one was hard to learn but I'm so glad I learned it sooner in this setting rather than later.
3. I really miss Dr. Pepper.
4. I've learned to cook things and with things I didn't know were possible. Red Velvet Cake without cream cheese or red dye? Sure, no problem......
5. I've learned what a woman's role in the relationship looks like, in a Godly submissive way. Let me explain a little.  It really was eye-opening because I've always thought that to be submissive was so 1950's, but when I actually studied the Word and how God designed relationships and the Church and Christ, I see how perfect and complimentary it is. I see it modeled with the ladies and families on my team and I am so thankful for this example now.
6. My selfishness and pride is at the center of all my sin, and God's grace and mercy are greater than said sin. Yep, still learning that.
7. Argentines are passionate when they love someone. So when they like you, then reallllly like you, and you're in great company. When they don't like you, well... you just kind of know.
8. The Church has so many problems, and will continue with problems, because it's full of sinners just like me. And I can't fix a church or its people, only Jesus can. This is a burden and relief. Mainly a prayer, than Jesus would be the center of the church, and that the people would believe that.
9.  Hebrews is the coolest book of the Bible. It just screams the gospel and glory of Jesus Christ from Old Testament to His resurrection and I don't know why I've waited so long to study it in depth. Best decision ever.
10. My theology and study of doctrine has developed in so many different areas in the last year that I didn't even realize needed developing. The Bible has an answer to every social, cultural....you name issue.
11. I watched part of the Billboard Music Awards the other night and I'm now afraid of re-entry into the United States. What has the country become..... pop culture is a mess. I would not let my son of 18 watch what I saw.  I think Christians in the US have become watered down because they are so apart of culture that they don't even realize it. I think we're already that boiled frog.
12. Peru and Brasil have a tie for the best food in South America.
13.  Ministry is messy. It's hard and many times I don't even see the fruit of work, but I'm not promised the fruit in my time here, and that's not what I do it for. It's all for an eternal value.
14. I have the best team in the company. I say team, but really we're a family. I mean, who else would go on vacation with you so you didn't have to go alone?? We're big, but we know the Lord has blessed us, so we're trying to make much of Him as long as we are all together.
15. Speaking of company, I work for the best company. I'm going to miss them in January. What I won't miss are the novel-long-emails from the president. (stick to the NOVELS, for novels, Mr. Platt- all due respect)
16. I learned that moving overseas doesn't really change your personality.  FOR EXAMPLE. If you're not one to make a lot of friends, and when you do, they're older, have kids, retired, whatever...... it's probably going to be the same in your new setting. Quality over quantity still exists overseas, fact.
17. I've found a new hunger for God's word like never before. Have you ever read Pslam 119 and realized every verse meditates on an aspect on the law, word, promises, statues, commands, decrees? Something, about HIS WORD. I love it. I thirst for it and cannot get enough of it. It IS the best thing and I relate to Josiah in 2 Kings 22 when he mourns for not having previously known its goodness before it's discovered. Do you know its goodness? I thought I did, but I was so wrong.
18. Time and again, I've seen God answer prayers. Even if it takes 15 years. His timing is perfect. Again, another christianism I'm still learning.
19. When they say it's a cold winter in Argentina at 50*, don't question it, just believe them and pack your long johns and scarves because 50 feels like 35 suddenly.
20. Americans really don't walk much. I know this because I didn't like more than 7 blocks when I got here, and now I walk around 20 blocks a day, maybe, if not more. Yet I've still managed to gain weight here... (I'm looking at you, medialunas)
21. Language learning NEVER gets easier. You never make it. 1 year later and someone will complement you, or switch to speak English because they're trying to help you. You just never know how the wind is going to blow that day. There's always room to improve.
22. We are not in control. I am not in control, as much as I try to be (ISTJ, speaking).
23. Americans make things more difficult than necessary. So you don't have a mixer? Use a fork, it works just as well when making cookies. Argentines improvise LIKE A BOSS. I haven't figured what's the correct improvisation for a blender yet.......
24. This is still my favorite number so I don't have to fill it out.
25. The biggest truth bomb of this year.. so obvious yet never so clearly presented in my life until living here: God is to receive all the glory (through my Spirit guided actions). But mainly Him receiving all the glory. All the glory. Even when I mess up, it's my prayer that He redeems my mistakes and failures for His glory.