El viaje y primer dia

Bueno, salimos anoche del aeropuerto en D.C. y nos despertamos esta manana en Argentina. Brian and Rich met us at the airport and helped us get cambio (exchanging money), which was a good thing, because the Coca-coka machine said that the precio was $5. It also informed us in advance that it “DOESN’T DELIVERS CHANGE” (we all got a kick out of that rather eloquent warning). Anyway, we loaded into a van and we were off. Brian and Rich tried to get the driver to show us the scenic route to La Plata, but there was what appeared to be a huelga (strike) and the driver demonstrated his 3-point-turn abilities and found an alternate route. We reached our destination and found our rooms. Jackie, Kelly, Ruth, and I quickly decided who would sleep where (we had two bunkbeds! YAY!). And then we headed downstairs for a wonderful almuerzo (lunch) which included salad and empanadas! I ate probably five times what someone my size should consume, but it was good. A siesta (nap) followed lunch. I was thankful for that because I was freezing. We had an orientation in which Nate and Brian clued us in on their current mission and their expectations for the week. We then had merienda (an early evening snack). Tara served us quinotos (sp?…a cherry tomato sized somewhat sour orange). The best part about quinotos is that you just pop them into your mouth. No peeling necessary! We also had fresas (strawberries) and alfajores (a small chocolate covered cake with a dulce de leche center). Before dinner, Nate presented a short lesson on prayer and why it is so important. Then we all prayed…denouncing fear, embracing faith, rejecting self, and embracing community. I think this time together set the tone for our week. It will be amazing to see what God does. The feast that followed seemed like a miracle (especially after the airline food/mush that we suffered through last night). Brian and Tara, Rich and Jill, and all of the children took us to a “fancy pants” restaurant (as their 3 year old daughter Emerson called it). There was a buffet in addition to waiters who brought around large skewers of various meats. It was awesome! Ahora, es casi la medianoche y yo tengo sueno…Hasta luego.                 (Now, it’s almost midnight and I am tired…See you later!)