Artist Madrid, Naturally

 Headed to BA (Day 10) January 21, 2014 Thursday afternoon, we took a 4 hour bus ride to Buenos Aires. The bus was clean, the seats comfortable, there were two movies in Spanish (it gave me the opportunity to practice) and more air conditioning than what any human being would ever need. A luxury ticket cost about 19 USD. A great deal! So since I don't have much more to report, I will answer a FAQ: "Why did I want to serve out of the country?"  Well, everyday the reasons are growing but I wasn't always thrilled about the prospect... When I was a child, I did not want to be a missionary. I think I wanted to be anything but a missionary :) I remember feeling it just wasn't meant for me (even though I did want to teach people about the Bible). Fast forward a few years: I am now a regular pioneer (spending at least 70 hours per month in my Bible ministry work), I love to travel and am fascinated by languages. But for some reason it doesn't register that I could bec...

 Ciao, Zaijian, Goodbye Rosario (Day 9) January 20, 2014 I have dreaded writing this entry for a few days now ( which is part of the reason I'm so far behind).  Wednesday was my last full day in Rosario. I have to say goodbye to its bustling streets and laid-back atmosphere. I have to say goodbye to my new friends and favorite spots...And its difficult.  My aunt, uncle and I had lunch with a family from the English group. Oscar is British and his wife Marianna is Argentine. At home they only speak English to their three children and the children respond in Spanish. Did I mention that are learning Italian in school? Amazing! We had a good time getting to know their family as well as two other sisters that were invited over. I must say it was the longest lunch I've had in my entire life but I enjoyed every minute of it. That evening, I had field service plans with Valeria and Diego. Sadly, they had to cancel due to illness. I was afraid I wouldn't get the chance to see any ...

 Ministry, Meeting and the Feria (Day 6) January 15, 2014 I went out in field service with the English group with my aunt and uncle Sunday morning. Compared with the night before the streets seemed abandoned. We did census work (going to different apartment buildings looking for English-speaking people). This was my first time doing walking-territory in Argentina. I worked with Telma. She was able to give plenty of insight on Rosario: the weather, English territory, the government and her job. After service, I went back to the hotel to finish preparing for the Chinese Watchtower study. I got so nervous again. I get nervous before every meeting and every time I prepare to go in service. I want to do well and not because I don't want to embarrass myself. I want to actually be of some assistance, not just "shadow" the friends here. A brother gave the Public Talk in Spanish and Evan translated it into Chinese. Then Evan conducted the Watchtower Study. His Chinese is excellent...

 Rosario del Sur ( Day 5) January 14, 2014 Lo siento (Sorry)! Turns out my Monday rest day wasn't very quiet. So now I am even more behind with my journal entries. I will try to catch up today.   Saturday, I ate breakfast with my aunt and uncle and then tied-in through Skype to my Chinese weekend meeting in South Carolina. One of the brothers, in my group, gave his first public talk and he did a wonderful job. That evening, I went in service with Valeria, Diego and Evan (a brother from the Chinese group) who had started in the ministry that morning. We traveled to the South of Rosario. In South Rosario there are more houses rather than tall buildings. Valeria and I were able to place one of the new family tract with a Chinese lady. Her child wasn't listening to her, so I told the lady about the very useful teaching videos for children (ex. Listening to your parents) on the Jehovah Witness website: JW.org . Even though I gathered she does not believe in God, she seemed to appre...

 Preach the Word (Day 4) January 12, 2014 First of all, I want to apologize for being a little behind with my entries. I will try to catch up tomorrow (Free-Day!!!). On Friday, Alexis, Caro, and Darrio took me sight-seeing. We went to the  Argentine National Monument of the Flag. I learned a lot about the history of Argentina and got some great aerial shots of Rosario :) It was located next to the Rio Parana, which separates the city of Rosario from the closest province on that side. It is the second longest river in South America. The people of Argentina are very proud of this landmark. At lunch time, we by the river. I had grilled Pacu fish. It was a river fish that came from the Rio Parana. It was the size of my head but it was so delicious that I ate the whole thing lol.  Now to the best part of the day: the ministry :) A sister named Marilina car to pick me up from the hotel. She spoke no English but we were able to communicate alright in Chinese and Spanish. She tol...

 Wow (Day 3- Part 1) January 10, 2014 We arrived in Buenos Aires on Thursday morning (yeah, I know I'm behind). Aunt Sharon and Uncle Jay's friends Alexis and Carolina (they are Jehovah's Witnesses who live in Buenos Aires) met us at the airport. They not only were going to drive us to Rosario but also stay the weekend at our hotel. They brought along their friend Darrio. The three of them are amazing. They are everything a good host should be. Did I mention that they all speak pretty good English? :) Once we got through airport customs and baggage claim, I realized a few things in this order: its hot; I wouldn't be using my phone much, I'm in Argentina and here my name is Cata. I introduced myself as Catalina (my name in Spanish class many moons ago) to cut down on pronunciation mishaps. But "in Argentina, everyone just says Cata", Carolina told me at the airport. I thought I would soon suffer from culture shock but, as I sat there for the 2.5 hour drive ...