Less Than A Month

Thanks again to God for keeping me through it all. There is less than a month left here for me and I can think of nothing but positive experiences. Thanks be to God.

It's been a minute since my last post. That's because I was busy doing a bunch of fun stuff worth posting. Also it's taken Alibe forever and a day to get these pictures to me. However, she came through like a champ! ;)

I have been having the best time that anyone can possibly have while studying abroad. I am thoroughly convinced of this. So much so that if you told me that someone said that they had a better time I would look them straight in the eye and say, "You lie!" (You can get the rest out now Pops)

Since my last post I went to Uruguay, celebrated the 200th Anniversary of Argentina, found a new church home away from home, Rey de Reyes, had my first Cuban, found a place to play drums, and have just been enjoying life. It's been a lot more fun recently since I'm able to actually understand what the heck these people say to me! I guess they aren't all as crazy as I thought they were before now that I understand them a bit.

So here's a quick rundown of the recent news. Uruguay was mad cool! I want to go back again and stay for a bit longer. Me and my friend were busy taking pics, got separated from our tour group and got lost for a little while, only to end up walking right into them. Gotta love those angels. The 200th Anniversary was crazy! They closed down the largest highway in the world (9 de Julio) and had a bunch of cool activities, parades, concerts, booths, food, all then usual. It was a lot of fun, and a lot of people...like really, a lot of people. Rey de Reyes was a church that I heard about a bit before I came here, but just found out information about. It's pretty cool. But it's funny to hear all the same "church lingo" but in Spanish. I think "Church" should be an official language. And yea...that Cuban! It was insane how huge that cigar was. It took days to finish with my friends.

Also one day after rehearsal for chorus, the conductor took me to a music store to try a set of drums for him. When we got there the manager, who also plays drums, after hearing me play said I can come through anytime and play should I wish. YEA SON!!!

I've been itching to play since I got here! Also the following day, a guy saw me standing in line for a concert and basically said in so many words, "Hey, you're Black where are you from?" I say, "US." He says, "Oh good, here's my card, I've got a basketball team and we need talent." lol Racist stereotypes aside, I would love to play some ball while I'm down here. lol Gotta love the Porteños. He gave me a card and everything. I've also joined a gym and have been running everyday and eating rabbit food after everyone has noticed how much weight I've gained and then Nana called me fat. Thanks a lot Argentina.... But weight gained and all, I'm loving it! I've been having so much fun learning Argentina and chilling with friends (especially #17).

Holla at me beautiful people!

Its been a while but here it is!

Thanks be to God again for keeping me through another week in the middle of NOWHERE! lol It was the greatest time ever.

Before we get to the trip I must say that being 21 is not all its hyped up to be. I just knew by time I hit 21 I'd have it all figured out and I'd be this big time adult...not so at all. It's the same thing as being 20 only I am closer to 30 and we all know what happens at 30...lol I have been enjoying myself though and have started these daily readings of the Bible and by time 22 comes around I would have read the Bible cover to cover. Hopefully, that'll get me some answers ;)

On to the trip! Absolutely amazing! As you can see I enjoyed myself quite thoroughly. We went to Iberá en Misiones, Argentina. It is the most rural of the rural. To get there from Buenos Aires was a 10 hour bus ride, followed be a fleet of pick up trucks that took us another 2.5 hours into the middle of nowhere. The roads reminded me of Africa. When we arrived though it was all worth it. The place was really nice and comfortable and we were completely relaxed from the time we arrived until we left.

What did we do? The most unexpected things ever! lol There was a lot of soccer, fishing, herding cattle, branding cattle, lassoing and wrestle cattle, hikes through the jungle, monkey watching, boat rides, concerts, and of course a lot of sleeping. Never in a million years would I have ever thought that I would have the opportunity ride horses across wild terrain for 2.5 hours (and I mean really ride!), arrive at an estancia and wrestle cows, have a sack race (sorry I have no pics of that), take boat rides all in crazy swamps with all types of crazy animals, its just a lot and I'm so thankful to God for the opportunity to be able to do these things.

Aside from the location and activities during the trip, the people, other students and IES staff, were the absolute best! We all enjoyed each other the entire time. There were so many laughs and fond memories as well as new friendships formed and old ones strengthened. Again as always its one of those "had to be there" type experiences. But hopefully some of these pics can convey at least a bit of what this trip was like. I feel bad because I didn't take many photos this trip. I guess I was too busy enjoying myself. But, I had friends who did take a lot so thanks Daniell...A, Megan, Ryan, Jackie, and of course Alibe (number 17) ;)

Thanks again for reading folks. I appreciate the support and the comments. They are the highlight of my life. lol Welcome Uncle Paul and Angie. And just so you all know, when I get back I have to come over because breakfast here is toast and tea or coffee. You know what that means Angie! ;) lol

Oh and a funny story. So I guess I think I'm Superman or something. I was crossing 9 de Julio, a big highway I have to cross to get to IES. I had the light and all and then this crazy guy is turning speeding though the street and is less than a foot away from hitting me. So guess what I'm doing as the car is approaching...that's right I'm balling up my fist trying to punch the friggin windshield! What is the problem here? Please just pray! lol Between that Kevin Sr. and Paul Jr. I didn't stand a chance. ;)

Chau hasta la próxima vez. Besos!!!

Just remembered. Midterms went well. I had an issue with one grade in a class and I talked with the professor after class and he treated me to a coffee and improved or rather fixed my grade. So all is well. I think that's everything.

Holla

My first...blog as an official adult!

Greetings to all. It's been a while, but I was on blogging hiatus. But, but again, thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in HIS name! I've been kept once again through another couple of weeks, I've had the blessing of seeing 21 of which I am so thankful to God, despite how much I can't handle the idea of getting old (ugh!!!), I've got a beautiful family that loves and supports me, and once again I have witnessed my semesterly miracle! God's good!

There aren't many pictures for this blog considering I haven't taken pictures in quite some time. But, be ready for a lot of pics next week as I will be going to Iberá Marshes this week for mid-semester break. YEA BOI!!! Break!

The time here is flying by like its nobody's business. I am already more than halfway through my stay here. However, experiences are still as rich today as when I first arrived. Updates...The internship is pretty cool. It's been great getting to meet a lot of new people and share and learn. Some of the people that come in have very limited true interactions with people, that is conversations, embraces, and the likes of which we take for granted at times. Yesterday I witnessed a man eat an entire loaf of bread while talking to me. I not sure what type, but it has definitely left an impression on me.

But, aside from the internship, midterms were great. I'm still working on a take home midterm, which is at least 5x worst than having it in class. I can't stand the idea of an exam haunting me during my break. But, its all good.

Well I'm off to pack and get ready for this afternoon. We pull out of here at 6. Til next time beautiful people. And thanks for all of the birthday wishes. It made my birthday a lot better to read birthday wishes from all of you all even though I was away for one of my biggest B-Day yet.

Oh, and that pick with the cart...an old homeless man and a little boy were trying to move their cart full of stuff across railroad tracks, but the wheels kept getting stuck. Neither of them were able to get the cart across, so I lent a hand, and of course Alibe, being the opportunist photographer she is, snapped a few pics. ;)

Til next time all ;)