The First Month

Wow!! Totally crazy to think that a month has passed by already!! To be honest it has been like a blink of an eyelid! So much has happened including the team coming and going and are many different adventures!! Well, while the team where here we did many of the touristy things. Oh by the way, if you didn´t know by now, i´m in a city called Salta about 22hrs north of Buenos Aires, which means quite close to the northern bolivian boarder! So while the team where here we worked in a area called solidalidad in the local church. The work was mainly interacting with some practical things for the church. We weeded this big area which if i´m to be honest was a big bit of dried earth and then planted some trees while the boys (sorry men) put up a fence for the church. During the week we played volleyball with the local children, dramas around faith issues and a puppet show. was a really fantastic time there, the people where so welcoming and made us feel at home. We returned back into Salta where Keith and Zara held "Romance Academy". This time was totally class! the young people of the church gathered and discussed issues of relationships etc which was totally new to them! This time was really precious! Ohh, how could i possibly forget! went to see a band called "the monkeys". They where a pretty good reggie band in this place called "cafe del tiempo". The team went together to the orphanage to play games etc with the children. when we arrived it was class as Cecy had organised for there to be a bouncy castle so the children where obviously so excited!! We taught some dance and songs in Uzzi College where i´m based 2 days a week teaching english to the youngest class for now. We had 3 trips into the Andes visiting places like "Cafeyate" and "Jujuy". Oh Jujuy!! such a wonderful place!! i´ll explain later! With the team we went away on a youth retreat. It was a brilliant time. We heard Keith, Rodigo and Raul share throughout the weekend. Some really challenging thoughts being provoked! we played kick the ball rounders, just because we didnt have a bat or small ball which was rather funny as when i kicked the ball my shoe went flying across the pitch! all i could do was run! ha ha! We all returned pretty shattered with the lack of sleep but there was a good turn out in church! the church services here are class! i love my church. "Iglesia el Redentor". The people are so welcoming!! they love singing and clapping and kissing. ok don´t get the wrong idea, its tradition here to kiss everyone hello and everyone goodbye otherwise you come across rude! it will be strange coming home and not kissing! beware! Overall the team had an amazing time and they worked so hard. the people of salta are asking me about them nearly every minute of the day, they really, made an impact. Thanks guys for putting 110% into it! i´m missing you´s! The night the team left was really a unique night. we all came together and shared in laughter, tears, photos etc. When the team left I was asked by the pastor to go to Jujuy for a "cruzadas" week. i was based about 45mins away from the capital in a place called Ledesma in San Martin. During this week, if i´m to be honest i found it very difficult just because the type of work. The Cruzaders basically knock on peoples door in the local neighbourhodds and spread the Gospel. We came across lots of broken families, lots of broken family and some very lost people. Please Pray for Amanda who is terminally ill with cancer. pray that her family will feel the comfort of God in their house. I give thanks for the people who came to Christ that week but i´m just really thankful that i´ve met some really amazing people out of it! A man called Abraham and his family. we are still in contact and regulary speaking english and teaching his wife. this time is really unique, that i´m learning so much in time where i´m meant to be teaching him. Yeah so as you have gathered life is quite busy here as i have 4 jobs which i´m loving! teaching english in a primary school, in a orphanage, teaching adults english and working with the pastor in Liteva book store. sorry well i´m going to leave the best to last! Naomi! My room mate and sister for nine months! she´s totally bonkers and has me in stitches 24/7! ok, sorry for the long update but it has been a month and that was a summary! Overall, i´m having a brilliant time and have settled in here like a duck to water. learning argentinian spanish which i´m finding it very odd from my spanish! The people have made me feel like family and of course i´m missing you all at home! i hope that you are all well. Keep in contact! i´d love to hear from you!! All my love, Megan