Thoughts in motion...

 
My last day as a 22-year-old, I sit and soak in the variety of experiences I am going through. Not even gone two weeks yet, challenged by the harsh reality of oppression, poverty, life on the street, an identity marred by society, slums, globalization, economic dependancy, etc. Thankfully the harshness is met an overcome by beautiful realities of intentional community, expressions of mutual care with youth at Retiro, laughter, maté, hugs, lessons, prayer, sunshine, productive conversations, singing, liberation theology, and so much more.
I'm not much of a big picture person, so this was my attempt at a summary of the last week. Hope you enjoy.
Adelante.

La Boca

 

The place where Spaniards first entered the port, homes were constructed from the sides of the ships, scrap metals, and painted these brilliant colors. This area is a few blocks from where Jeremiah and Jennifer live. That means that we often get confused for lost tourists as we make our way to the sketch part of La Boca (which is the whole neighborhood, with the exception of this tourist area, el caminito) and people often point us in the "right direction"

 

 

La Boca Stadium

 

Café con Leche

 

Coming from the Pacific Northwest, one must resign to the fact that there really is no place like home, when it comes to coffee. Milk steamed beyond salvation, espresso roasted to a nice charcoal black, and served with a proud italian tradition. For the non-coffee snob, it truly is a decent cup of coffee, particularly compared to so many other parts of the world.

That's why I always say, enjoy where you're at, not where you're from.
And that's why I stick to maté...

Roommates

 
Amber & I our for coffee "merienda" or 5 oclock snack with Tina & Megan

Tina

 

Megan

 

Mi casa

 

Doesn't look like much from the street, but its long and tall, filled with stairs and terraces.

Like a good work by Borges, anyone?

 
Laberynth of a home

Terraza

 

Top of the roof. Great for reading in the sunshine, or thinking under the moon.

My little bedroom

 

Amber and I have a little room set up like 8-year-old twins.

 
the Mothers of the the Plaza de Mayo protested, and still march, with intentions on bringing justice for the 30,000 sons, fathers, sisters, and children that disappeared during the dirty war. We stopped by their bookstore the first week.

Freedom of Speech

 

"(Presidente) Kirshner pays, the Yankees and the IMF party"

Argentina came out of a military dictatorship in the 80s, a time known as the Dirty War meant that "outspoken" citizens went missing, to the tune of 30,000 argentines.

Current Democratic Argentina proudly expresses its thoughts through endless amounts of protests, heated arguments, activism, and a huge aray of grafitti that expresses the thoughts of the people. An complex history that has led to a passionate people.

This particular graffiti refers to the huge debt that Argentina owed the IMF (US)that was paid off by the previous president.

I am learning so much surrounding global economics and the direct effect that our economy has on the majority world... many developing thoughts.

 

La Casa Rosada

 

Equivalent to our White House. Where presidenta Cristina lives.

Beautiful Buenos Aires

Thoughts flying through my. A new country, new city, new culture, new accent, new food, few friends. This is my fifth day in Buenos Aires, I feel like I've been here for months. Its winter here, which means cold air, no leaves, some sun, some clouds. I am here with an organization called Word Made Flesh, and I will be working with them for 4 months. We are a community of 4 servant team members, five full time staff members and five little kiddos between the two families. My team is phenomenal and I am already learning so much from them and with them. I live with a lovely argentine family- Pablo, Alejandra, their children Joan & Ana Belén, and the pup Bogie. They have been incredibly hospitable.
I feel so alive here. So in tune with all of my senses. Hearing the loud sounds of buses, the smooth rhythms of the tango, and the melodic flow of Spanish that rolls of the Argentine tongue. They are a different breed. Quick to accept, to open their home, lovers of wine and a hot argument. They are passionate. It feels like a breath of fresh air to converse in Spanish, think in Spanish.
My time here is not about tourism, nor new exciting places. My time here is about living life among the poor. Simplicity. Asking tough questions about poverty, and seeking in community a response.
Please join me on this little journey of mine. New thoughts will come, and some will be shared on this blog.
Salud! To Buenos Aires.

Mama Betty

 
Mama Betty and I were instant friends. We chatted of argentina, culture, family, cooking, love, distance, and the wisdom that life brings. Betty invited me to stay with her in Misiones after my time in Buenos Aires. She was one of the sweetest women I've ever met. I hope to visit her and learn the secrets of Argentine, Spanish, and Lebanese cuisine. She taught me to always be open to possibilities.

Bogie

 
Arguably the head of the family. A charming beagle, favorite activities include snuggling as close as possible as you're trying to sleep.

The Dean Family

 
Jordan, baby Eli and Selah. The Deans are our Servant Team coordinators, and are super awesome.

Portland?

 
Bridges in Buenos Aires

Servant Team

 
Amber, Tina, Megan and I in the Plaza de Mayo and in front of the Casa Rosada where the president lives.

Calle Plaza de Mayo

 
Walking along snapping photos.

Winter in Buenos Aires

 

Empanadas

 
Home made by Alejandra, filled with deliciousness and eaten for dinner at about 11:45 pm- typical argentine dinner time.