Summer is in full swing here and while things seem to be slowing down in the city, I feel like I have more to do inside and outside of my "assignment." A pastor who works Buenos Aires, but is originally from Montevideo is on vacation here with his family. I got to spend last night with them and Wilma and Alvaro. They also have two boys (9 and 4 years old) who asked me if I knew how to play poker, and when I said yes, I had friends for the rest of the night. We also played soccer, hide and seek and tag. While I was not being a child, I took part in an interesting conversation with the three pastors and Pastor Gustavio's wife, Sandra. They were talking about the difference in being a Christian in Argentina and being a Christian in Uruguay. I was amazed that countries so close geographically had such a different response to Christianity in the community.
When Gustavio was attending school in Montevideo, they were prohibited to wear anything that symbolized Christianity. If they were wearing a cross necklace, for example, they would be asked to wear it under their shirt. There is also a hymn in Uruguay that talks about Artigas (national hero) almost like he is like a god. They were saying that they had to sing it in school. Some of the words include "Our Father, Artigas, Lord of our land..." Uruguay is now seeing more acceptance of Christianity. The President of Uruguay now meets with the pastors of churches to work cooperatively to assist the citizens of Uruguay, where before churches were not recognized on a national level. Uruguay has changed a lot since Gustavio was in school. Christianity is more accepted now, but still not like it is in Argentina.
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WOW! What a coincidence! Brother Samuel was playing poker just last night with some friends at the "Gathering Place" at MC. Can't wait to tell him he could have a new poker player in June!
When you wrote about the cross necklace, it made me so sad. I've worn a cross since I was very young. Bill gave me a new one as a gift right before we got married. I never take it off. It makes me feel closer to God and somehow protected. Also, it has started many Christian conversations when someone notices it! You should feel good about helping to spread the word of God in your work AND friendships there! I know I say this all the time, but we're so very proud of you! Keeping you in our hearts, our thoughts & our prayers! LOVE YOU!
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