Oh my dear friends! I can’t say it’s not what I had expected it to be so far because I didn’t come into this program with a whole lot of expectations. The reasons behind why I made the decision to apply for this opportunity are disjointed and jumbled, yet it all seems to make perfect sense. Since arriving here in Argentina I feel welcomed, safe, and at peace with the idea that I am going to be here for a year. I was greeted at the airport by Kate and David. They are the country coordinators for the young adult program. In addition to taking on the responsibility of our individual projects, they are also the permanent missionaries for the Lutheran Church in South America, so they do a fair amount of traveling between Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru and Chile. They also spend a portion of the year in the US on home assignment where they report in with the global mission office in Chicago and share their stories with different congregations and synods across the states. Basically what I am trying to say is that they are amazing, wonderful people who are taking very good care of me and the four other volunteers here. They make us feel at home! They have two kids, Emily and Matthew and it has been fun getting to know their family.
Much of our orientation in Chicago and here in Buenos Aires has been focused on preparing us emotionally and spiritually for some of the things we are going to encounter over the next year. We have spent quite a bit of time learning about some of the recent history of Argentina, specifically the dirty war which took place from 1976-1983. There was a military take over of the democratic government and over 30,000 people were disappeared during that time period. We had the opportunity to visit one of the government buildings that once served as a concentration camp. We also met with the mothers of the disappeared. This is a group of the mothers who began to march during the time around the plaza de mayo in search of justice. They are an organization that exists and is still today fighting for justice and for the memories of their children to live. I only share this because I feel like already my perspectives and my world view is being opened up to the daily struggles that are the realities of people in this place.
We have also learned a little bit about the tradition of the Lutheran Church here in Argentina and Uruguay which has an important connection with the history of these two countries as well. Knowing that we are going to meet and work with people, young and old, in the midst of this story, so it is important that we have an idea of what that story is before we can walk with them and meet them where they are.
I am excited to say that we have had plenty of fun during our orientation as well. We have eaten good food, great ice cream and tasted some fine wine! Last night we had the chance to go see a tango show in downtown Buenos Aires which was an experience in itself. It was fun to take a night to relax and see how people have fun here in Argentina. It really is a beautiful place!
Again I am going to leave this open ended… I have so much more to share and a week hasn’t even passed yet! But an open end only means the story will continue. Until next time, take care! Oh, and if you have any questions please do ask… I would love to share everything but I just have to pick and choose.