Life is wonderful in BA!
Yesterday was Independence Day in Argentina and so Hannah and I woke up early and dragged the family to a parade. Well, little did we know that the parade would be a stationary one, and that moving parades have not quite been mastered here, or at least the coordinators of this one haven't. Moving or not though, it was a lot of fun to hear the anthem and Hannah and I even waved Argentine flags. As Hannah said, "they only cost a peso, but gave a lifetime of memories!"
Last night was group and Hannah and I made empanadas for the party. Well, sad to say that although the first time we made them we were really successful, Hannah learned that putting egg on both sides does not make the empanadas wanna come off the pan!! It turned out to be ok as always....thank God for Andres and his hospitality. He brought some for everyone and we were able to disguise ours in the midst of his...phew!
Today was fairly mellow, Hannah and I went to a bead store to look for supplies for the pre-teen lock-in tomorrow night. Then we went to Dario Lopera's surprise birthday party. Dario is truly one of our favorite people here in BA and it was so fun to spend time with him and his family. We learned a lot about his life and where he has come from. It also helped that he showed us where he was baptized on Google Earth!! It was so fun, and he loved showing us. For those who don't know, Google Earth is the satellite picture system that allows you to type an address in and the satellite zooms in and shows the location. Don't worry, after he showed us the pool where he was baptized over 30 years ago, we were sure to show him our houses. Mom, he thought our neighborhood was so pretty and green...hahah!!!
Then Alejo and Marisa walked Hannah and I back to the Subte and while we did I got to walk a dog named Cometa....a little Spanish version of Comet on Full House. It made my heart happy, I think it was just what I needed to feel like I had a dog again!!
The last couple of days God has really been working on my patience. With just three and a half weeks left, I am starting to get sad about leaving and for sure am wanting to soak up every minute. At the same time, I am starting to get pretty tired too. There is still so much more I want to do, and so many more convos I want to have. I am having to lean on God and let him give me the strength as my body starts to want to stop. God is so alive in this place. I was reminded of that tonight when Hannah and I were on the Subte and a blind man was escorted by an officer to the train. Once he got on and the officer left, Hannah and I kept a close eye on him to see if he would need help getting off. As he got up for his stop, we were prepared to get up and help when this girl gently grabbed his arm and guided him off and through the gate.
It was at that moment that I was reminded just how embedded charity and hospitality is in this culture. It is not just this incident, but the numerous times I see people grab an arm of an old lady they don't know and walk her across the street, or give their seat to someone on the bus, or walk their friend home so that they are not alone at night. It is in this culture that I have seen a consistent desire to take care of one another. It makes me wonder why other cultures have not learned this art.....it truly is beautiful to watch.
I have a new love....it's called an Alfajore (cookie filled with Dulce de Leche and chocolate) and it is incredible. Hannah and I ate one at Havanna restaurant today, and I have decided it is my new favorite.
Peace.Love.Cometa
Pe
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