Wow, what a month it’s been. I can’t believe we only have one week left of our time in Argentina (not counting debrief). My team and I have been working with YWAM this month (doing a little bit of everything) and it has been amazing. We don’t have WiFi at the base but today we are in town for our adventure day so I wanted to send you some photos of the beautiful Argentina. Enjoy!
One thing we love most about the base we are living on – is the dogs. There are so many dogs here and they have the best little personalities and they sit outside and guard our cabin at night and go on walks with us and are just so so sweet. (There is also a lot of dog drama around here but we won’t talk about that right now). Anyways this is Toby. Toby loves rocks. Throw him a rock and he will be your friend forever. Also he will bring it back and set it down on his little paws like this and look up at you waiting for you to throw it again. Sometimes he’ll even dig a hole, put the rock in the hole, and then bark at it. What a dog.
Here in Mendoza, we are in the desert. It is absolutely gorgeous. The base has a secure perimiter so we have the freedom to roam and wander as we please within the property. I‘ve found many treasures and mysteries, and I love seeing all the incredible desert plants like this lovely purple succulent.
Solitude can be hard to come by on the race because of the constant change in environment, safety factors, etc. Having the freedom to wander and seek solitude this month has been such a gift.
Fun fact: since Argentina is on the other side of the equator from the United States, the seasons are reversed. That means that since it’s currently Summer in the States, it’s winter here. We drink lots of hot tea and bundle up in all the layers we have. One of the women here at the base generously lent me a winter coat. It gets down to freezing at night and is usually in the 50’s during the day. While I prefer warmer climates, it‘s very refreshing to have a change of seasons after our 7-month-summer.
Oh, also, as is the case in many other countries, breakfast is usually just bread. Here they have something called Dulce De Leche (basically carmel sauce) that they love to put on everything so sometimes we have that too.
Here is our cute little cabin, my lovely teammate Annie, and Toby again, being a goof.
Today we went hiking in the Andes mountains (What!? I still can’t believe it). No pictures can do this place justice. It’s absolutely enchanting.
Humans for scale.
Also, I realize I don’t post pictures of myself that often, so here I am. It’s month 8, and I am thriving. More stories and details about what ministry has looked like this month coming soon. (Photo cred: Mady R. )
Love you all, hope August is going well up there.
Cheers,
-Hattie
Thank you dear one: I enjoyed the pictures and your commentaries. I have been without telephone or internet for 20 days and just got it back today (the 13th) so I am catching up. I am happy you seem so content and your trip of a life time. I really am seeing the countries through your eyes. It is so humid here today that I have had breathing problems but the Lord is good and once inside I am better. Know I send love and good wishes. Aunt Lucy
Fantastic views, but I’m sure the pictures don’t do it justice. Really enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for sharing!!!
Thanks for the pictures, sweet Hattie! They do say a thousand words each. 🙂 And it was really nice to see you, too. Can’t believe that you are at month 8. But it does not surprise me that you are thriving. Mission work is like that…. God at work, all around you and in you! Christ in you, the hope of glory! Blessings, Joan
Dear Hattie glad you are having a chance to send mail. I loved the beautiful cactus flower. So now u have your very own pet. I know you love that. Can’t say I’ve seen the Argentine desert but have traveled in the Andes and Peru where you’ll be before long. Much much love. Nana
How great to be in a place where you wish you could stay longer. God is good.