Anyways, we got through customs easily enough and were greeted by our new & wonderful friend Sherry Grams. What a wonderful woman. It took us about 30 min to get to IBRP (the bible institute) and were warmly welcomed by Rocky Grams & a few staff. The people are very kind & cordial here, as was expected, even if they don't know the answer to your questions (which happens to be the majority of the time). We got into our very tiny apartment (bi-level, about half the size of a Southmore apartment, if that gives you any idea). Let's just say, this is the definition of "simple living" for sure, which is A-OK with us. It's humbling, but makes us truly appreciate to a greater level what we have back home. The Institute provided us with some beds & a play pen for Milena. The first night I was so uncomfortable...my back was killing me on Saturday morning. I got up and said, "God, I can't do this all year, so You're going to have to do a miracle on this bed or on my back...either one." I've slept well with no pain since. Don't get me wrong, I'm still uncomfortable, but I'm not waking up with pain. Thank you Jesus!!!
We spent all day Friday-Sunday trying to get acclimated (cleaning, buying the essentials & fixing up the place a bit). We had heard things were expensive here, but never imagined it being this expensive. Everything here is expensive...I mean everything. Take cheese for example. My wife is going to have to do without it for the year because she went to buy some and it cost between $10-$15 U.S. for a 16 oz block. We had to pay $400 for a mini-refrigerator...SERIOUSLY!?!? So, needless to say, we're not trying to fill up our apartment...we're going to live with the bare minimum this year. One blessing to note is that a church in Rosario (where I went back in 2010) gave us a bunch of things for the apartment (sheets, towels, blankets, plates, silver ware, cups and a few other things). That had to save us quite a bit of money. Thanks to Pastor Miguel, Pastora Silvia & all our wonderful friends from the church there.
We went to the church of one of our professors on Sunday and had a wonderful time. It's very simple, but had wonderful teaching. It took us forever to find, because like everything else, strong communication here is lacking BIG TIME! An observation that Carolina & I have noticed in just our few days in being here is that Argentina seems to be way behind the rest of the world, or at least the USA. We were very surprised by this. We don't know if it's because they are so passive with everything or just unorganized. Maybe it's both. I'm already getting used to the idea that if I ask a question, I won't get an answer right away...or ever. Regardless, it will take some getting used to, but in the scheme of it all, it's minimal.
Through everything, we're so excited to be here & are looking forward to all that God has for us this year. The journey for new discovery has begun. Please keep us in your prayers. Lord bless you all.
Caleb, Carolina, Joaquin & Milena
From Argentina...over & out!
