last week

So sorry that it took me so long to post. This has been the first night in quite some time that I have not been busy. Friday we all went over to the Bachini house where Elisabeth B. is living. It was so much fun. We played cards, watched movies, ate amazing dulce de leche ice-cream, laughed a lot with the family, and ate a lot of pizza (one pizza which had hard boiled eggs on top… sounds weird but it was really good). The Bachini’s have two kids, Pablo, 20, and Ibana, 16. Ibana goes to a different youth group, so we haven’t gotten to know her as well. But Pablo does a lot with the five of us.
On wed. Ann, Elisabeth, Pablo and I walked around town exploring for a few hours wasting time before the youth group met to see Avatar. We got to ask Pablo a lot of questions that we had about the culture here. For example, some of our parents had told us not to open the fridge while barefoot. Apparently it is an old wives tale here that if you do so, you will get electrocuted. Haha. We met up with the other girls later that evening at Dot, a mall near here which is super huge, like at least 5 stories and it is still not completed fully. The movie started at 7 and we arrived only minutes before it was to start. Pablo called one of the leaders to find out where the group was since we could not see them anywhere only to find out that we were at the wrong mall. So, instead of seeing Avatar in 3D with the youth group, Pablo and 6 gringas watched it is 2D in Castellano. I was surprised at how much I was able to understand.
It has been super hot here lately, like in the 90’s every day. Yesterday we went over to the Trinidad house where Ann is living. They have a really small pool, but big enough to cool off in. Elisabeth wasn’t able to make it, but the rest of us were there. It was really cool to just sit in the pool for a few hours and talk. I didn’t really know the other girls before coming, but we all get along really well. It is going to be really sad when Victoria leaves in March.
School started last week Monday. We all got into the same class, Intermediate 2. It was the class that we wanted to get into. (Thanks God!) The classes are challenging, but not too hard. We have a great teacher and I’m learning a lot. It is interesting to listen to the other kids in the class. They speak mostly in English in the class, but we’ve tried to only use Castellano. It can be really hard, but then again, speaking in English has been harder since I’ve been here as I tend to switch languages a lot. I’ve already had to catch myself a few times while writing this.
I take the train to school every day which has been really fun. I think I will be walking home though only to save money and to walk off all of the food that Mari has been feeding me. Plus, I just like to walk. I am loving living in the city. Minus colectivos that is. I’m not a huge fan of city busses in general especially when I am not really sure where I am going. As long as I am with other people though it is fine.
Bueno, again, sorry it took so long to post. I’ll try to be better at that. I’ve gotta run. Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement. Miss you and love you!

Feliz Año Nuevo ! I can´t even begin to tell you all about what has happened these past few days, but I will try to say as much as possible. On Tuesday, I flew from Milwaukee to Huston where I was to meet up with three other girls from Grace who are also studying abroad here with me. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 9pm, however around 8 we were informed that there were some problems with the engine and maintanace needed to work on it. 10 hours later after a long night of waiting, boarding the plane, deboarding , and sleeping in the ariport, we finally were on our way to Buenos Aires. We were picked up at the airport and taken to our various host families.
I am living with Jose (nacho) and Maria (Mari) Kubo. They are so precious! Nacho loves showing me how to use everything in the house, even simple things like a lawn chair. Mari is an amazing cook. It is a good thing that I will be walking to school every day in order to not add too many pounds. They live very close to the school and have hosted many students in the past. They love each of them and brag about their ¨children¨a lot.
Last night we went to a New Years Eve paty. We set off fireworks, watched the kids play with sparklers, eat lots of food, and played cards. I tried mate for the first time. It was really strong. Even the other women there said so. But I was glad to have even been invited to take part in such a significant ceremony. The whole night was very enjoyable. One of the other Grace girls, Ann, was there as well. We had a blast watching the festivities and laughing at how many traditions being practiced would never fly in he States. For example, miniature paper hot air ballons were lit and sent flying through the air, bumping into trees and houses as the wind blew them around. We were just waiting for something to catch fire.
Today Nacho, Mari, and I went to their daughter Carina´s house. Of course, we ate a lot. I also played video games with their 4 year old Matea and dress up with their three year old Julianna.
I am excited for classes to start on monday. I am anxious to take the competency test to see what level of Castellano to start at. The more time I sapend here, the more I realize how much I still have to learn. Please pray that the test goes well. Also please continue to pray that my relationship with the Kubos continues to grow.
Thank you all for your encouragement and prayers.

I leave tomorrow!

It is actually here. After years of studying, planning, and anticipating, I leave tomorrow for BuenosAires, Argentina to begin 6 months of immersion. To be honest, I don't feel fully prepared, but then again, leaving friends, family, and Aaron for 6 months is kinda hard to fully prepare for. I have no idea what to expect. What a comfort to know that God's got it all under control and knows exactly what to expect as my life completely changes.