Christmas this year looked very different than a normal Christmas back home. For starters, it is summertime in Argentina and the days leading up to Christmas were very hot (think 90+ degrees and no air conditioning). Instead of spending lots of time with family, I was thousands of miles away from home and family. Instead of participating in family traditions, I was participating in Argentine traditions. I was expecting to be homesick over Christmas, but to my pleasant surprise I really enjoyed the day. It helped a lot that this month was all-squad month, so I was surrounded by my World Race family.
On Christmas Eve, we were able to visit a local hospital to “spread some Christmas cheer”. We got to talk and pray with the patients. Some of the guys on the squad brought their guitars and we held a worship session in the lobby of the hospital. Later that evening we experienced a crazy dust storm. The storm moved in super-fast. One minute the sky was blue with only a hint of a storm on the horizon, and within just a few minutes the sky was totally gray, and the wind was swirling dust everywhere. The power went out as dusk was approaching. My teammate, April, brought out her guitar and lead several of us in worship for almost an hour. This hour served to calm and center us amidst all the chaos outside. The storm also had a very cooling effect, which was a welcome relief from the intense heat.
In Argentina, people typically eat dinner very late, usually not until around midnight. Fortunately, our hosts have accommodated us this month with an earlier dinner time. However, in true Argentine fashion, our big Christmas Eve dinner celebration started at midnight (which was actually Christmas day!). We celebrated with all the YWAM staff and their families. We were blessed with a delicious feast and then we participated in a secret Santa gift exchange. Christmas Eve was so much fun but also super exhausting. I didn’t end up going to bed until 3:00am.
The next morning everyone slept in and enjoyed a very slow day. I played a game called Dutch Blitz for several hours with some friends. I had never played before and quickly became a big fan! In the evening, I played soccer for a couple of hours with YWAM staff and fellow racers. It was a very relaxing, but fun day! I stayed busy enough and was surrounded by so many people that I didn’t have too much time to think about all that I was missing back home.
In the evening there was another late-night Christmas feast. This dinner was an asado (an Argentine barbeque). However, as I was still very tired from the previous night, I chose to go to bed at 10:00 – a full two hours before dinner started! One of my teammates saved me a plate though, so I still got to try the food and it was delicious!
On another note, I recently became fully funded!!!! Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me on this journey! I am so grateful for all of you!
Blessings to you in this new year,
Catherine
What an exciting update. Well, if dinner is at midnight, I am afraid that I would miss dinner most nights, I’d be in bed. Always interesting to learn customs of other countries. Sounds like Christmas Day was fun and kept you busy. I am sure that your family missed you, but know that God is guiding you every step of the way. Thanks for the update. Enjoy following your journey. Continuing to pray for you. Susan
Wonderful post Catherine!! We sure missed you over Christmas, but are confident God has you right where He wants you!! We love you!
As I write this, you’re in São Paulo, Brazil, preparing to fly to Casablanca, Morocco, then on to Togo for the rest of the month. Wow!!
You really are chalking up the countries!
I’m so proud of you! All my love, Daddy
I am so thankful you were not too homesick during this Advent season. We prayed for you and your entire squad! Praying God’s blessings as you cross the Atlantic and spread the Good News in Africa. One of my favorite verses- Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news. Much love!!
Hey Catherine! Thanks for sharing your adventures…so interesting and exciting! I see you learning to be content in any and every situation. I love how your group turns to worship for comfort and refreshment. He is our spring of living water! Learning to abide in Him is His desire for our lives. I am thinking of you and praying for you as you journey!??
Ha! I didn’t mean to put all those question marks at the end…lol!
Catherine, I, too, enjoy reading your updates and insights. So proud of you for stepping out on this Mission. I certainly appreciate the sacrifice of friends, family, career, and the things that we take for granted! I want to tell you that I love you and wish you the happiest, healthiest, and safest of 2020! I will continue to lift you up in my prayers. May God continue to guide and protect each step in your journey and, as you face any trials, help you to see His plan and feel His support through it. Blessings, little Sister in Christ Jesus! ~ Anita
Catherine, I’m so happy you had a wonderful Christmas! What an amazing journey!! Thanks for the updates, I really enjoy reading about your adventures!
I enjoyed hearing about your Christmas and how you celebrated. It must have been exhausting and challenging to get used to how late they eat down there! I’m glad you had a good Christmas. I want to learn how to play Dutch Blitz – if we have time at debrief in Ghana will you show me how?
I enjoyed hearing about your Christmas and how you celebrated. It must have been exhausting and challenging to get used to how late they eat down there! I’m glad you had a good Christmas. I want to learn how to play Dutch Blitz – if we have time at debrief in Ghana will you show me how?