Did You Know...?

In keeping with Santa Barbara Community Church's tradition...

Did You Know...

...that if you have a chronic tummy ache for an extended period of time, it could be caused by the quality of water you're drinking? 

These are not salt & pepper shakers. The water filter on the right is clean.
 The other, well, it's dirty with whatever is in the water (after 2 1/2 months of use).

In January, we were at Bethany and Roman's house and David told me his stomach was hurting (for about the 10th time that week - and it was only Tuesday). Johnny and I had been eating Tums like candy and I happened to mention it to Bethany. She asked if we drank the water out of the tap.

"Yes, we do and we have been for the past 5 months." I answered.

Roman interjected, "Oh no. Please, do not drink our water. We don't drink our water. Especially during the summer time, before the rain comes, the water levels get low and the water gets worse." For so many reasons, we are so thankful for these friends. They set up an appointment for us with someone they knew who came over and installed a filter on our tap right away. And our tummies are much better.

Did You Know...

...we have some great new friends named Guillermo and Susy? They have 3 daughters, ages 24, 20, and 16. We enjoyed a delicious asado (with 5 or 6 salads!) with them on Saturday and the boys played soccer with their dog, Camilo.  We were so thankful to be with new friends during a holiday weekend that, until this year, has always been spent with family.  

Chris, Julieta (16), Luchi (20), David (11), Andrew (8), Johnny (6), Meli (24), Guille, Susy



Besides playing with the dog, I think this was a highlight for the boys: Cracking open a homemade, huge chocolate egg. 
It had Rocklets inside (similar to M&Ms) and the boys ate so much I thought they might barf.

Did You Know...

...we visited a pueblo, Despeñaderos, on Easter Sunday with Guillermo, Susy, Meli, and Edu (her fiance)? They have been working in this pueblo for 15 years as a family.  They began with a food program for some hungry kids; then they added kids activities; then they started discipling people, mostly moms who were curious about the people being kind to their kids; and then they began a church. We appreciate the way they are doing integral ministry, serving the people in practical ways (food, activities, nutrition classes, etc.) while sharing the Good News about Jesus. It just makes more sense than starting a church without understanding the people in that particular pueblo. 

David, Andrew, and Johnny-boy have seen a lot of things in their short lives, but when Guille and Susy dropped off a set of siblings who the boys had been playing with for the 2 hours of the adult church service, they sat in stunned silence at the appearance of the "house".  We had a great talk with them on the 30 minute drive home about different kinds of poverty - how someone could have all the things they want, but be poor in their spirit because they don't have Jesus in their heart.  (I loved hearing Johnny say, "Well, He's in my heart because I asked Him there.")   



Snack time - note our 3 boys squatting in the back. 
There were lots of thorns on the ground and their buns couldn't handle the pain. 



Did You Know...

...dogs like to hang out on roofs? We found this guy on our neighbor's roof trying to make friends with Buddy. 

I have to admit that Buddy was less than impressed by this dog's feat and just wanted me to throw the ball.

Did You Know...

...birthday celebrations are very, very important in Argentina? The boys love getting invited and the parties usually include lots of dulces, everything-goes bounce houses, and tons of kids. This party was for one of Johnny's friends and was especially fun because the moms stayed, talked, and shared mate. We all enjoyed ourselves (and Chris got to enjoy some quiet time at home and worked on our taxes - I know he'd have preferred jumping all crazy in the castillo!)

Painting a picture of David & Goliath.

During a little rest from the castillo, basketball was necessary for the bigger boys.

Did You Know...

...that a special comb is needed for the removal of lice?


In case you need one (I hope you don't), here's a site where you can get your own extra suave, irrompible pedi-peine.
http://www.claudegarnie.com/

As a mom, until today, I never had to deal with these foul creatures; luckily Andrew escaped the epidemic of his 2nd grade class in the USA.  Well, Johnny was scratching his head like a street dog with fleas, so I examined his head (literally) and discovered an entire colony of black ickies on his white hair. 

Okay, chau for now.

Fulbright Scholars are Smart

We have had the privilege of getting to know Devin Dvorak who is here, in Cordoba Capital, on a Fulbright scholarship from Pepperdine University.  Small world, I know.  He is researching economic development here, working with different institutions, and being a good-will ambassador from the USA to Argentina.  We have been able to collaborate with him on some projects and gain some valuable insight into the Argentine financial landscape from his extensive research. 

Together, Chris and Devin visited an microlending foundation, Banco Mudial de la Mujer, to meet with the president.  She was very helpful, informing them that the foundation has 500 borrowers, 5 loan officers who collect the loan payments in the surrounding communities, the average loan size is USD$400, and many other things (Chris and Devin had a list of 17 questions). She expressed openness to working with other organizations, so there is a possibility that we would be able to provide some small business development training.

On a personal note, here's a photo of David in his first soccer game. 

He's playing for BOCA-Córdoba. 

Andrew and Johnny just started playing basketball at a neighborhood club. 

At the moment, they are outside practicing their dribbling skillage.

Thoughts on Bidets

I’ve adapted to a lot of things, but using a bidet will never be one of them. I actually researched how to use them and even watched a few youtubes.

I will not use one.

Ever.

~

Anyway, since our bidet just gathered dust and leaks whenever I clean it (gross!), I came across the coolest invention at a friends house: A Bidet Cover.

Don’t you love it!?

And just the fact that it has lace on it confirms the fact that I have learned to adapt and accept the things around me. Lace has not existed before in my house, well, not in a decorative home “style” at least. Is there anyone else you know who posts about their bidet?

It fascinates and repulses me all at the same time.

Chau for now!

(I promise to write something of more substance later – lots of great things going on!)

3 Positives & 1 Negative

Being in Argentina for 8 months has taught us so much.

There are many things we truly admire and appreciate about our new country and culture.

Here are 3 off the top of my head.

The Argentine people are very resourceful.

Whether it be a rope to tow a car, a stick and rag to mop the floor, or scraps of wood for home repair, they are good at making due with what they have.

The children here always respectfully greet adults with a kiss and a hola.

I love it.

We have learned so much about tranquilidad from the Argentine people.

Generally speaking, they are calm, warm, helpful and hospitable.

And now for the negative.

Clearly, I love the man in this photo. What I do not like are the crickets surrounding him. In one 30 minute period, the hero above killed over 100 of them with the shoe in his left hand and the insecticide in his right. I watched from inside as he was dive-bombed and informed him of the huge one sitting on his shoulder (like any good wife would do).

PS Please don't judge us for using insecticide. Crickets are food for scorpions, scorpions sting, and the venom can be quite dangerous for young boys. Without crickets, we won't have scorpions. You also can't imagine how difficult it is to find natural insect-killing methods when you still have trouble finding whole wheat flour.