Hello Family,
Have you ever heard of the saying, "When in Rome do as the Romans do"? In the 4th century, Saint Ambrose gave this advice to Saint Augustine of Hippo. [ est. 4th century]. Today this phrase is loosely thrown around to travelers around the world on how to behave when visiting a foreign place. Although, this was good advice, I had no point of reference of what to do "When in Argentina..." aside from the youtube videos shared by the nonprofit I studied with. So, I felt reaaaaally under prepared to take on such a big trip.
Thankfully, I was able to find my way. With the help of my family, close friends, and some incredible people I connected with in Argentina , I found a way to BE in Argentina. My second reflection came to me about two weeks following my arrival. By then, I had been ATE UP by only God knows what. Me and my family were trying to use process of elimination to figure out what was tearing me up at night. We were somewhere between Argentine mosquitos, bed bugs, or fleas. I was mad... as hell.
"Lord, I know dang well you ain't sent me allllll the way to South America to be ate up like this," I said to God will a deep irritation. "If I would've known this, I would've stayed home."
I know you're probably like, "You gone let some bugs throw you off?!" – Honey, the answer is yes because it was personal at this point. After raising money for the trip, stressing over how my bills would be paid while I was gone, and still in shock about being in another country, I yearned for nothing more than peace and smooth transitions. This was NOT smooth. I also prayed that God would "beat me there" instead of "meeting me there", and this felt like everything accept for what I prayed for. Needless to say, things got better. I never figured out what type of bug was biting me, but I stopped getting bit. I wasn't as overwhelmed with being in another country after I developed a communication schedule with my people – Lord knows that grounded me. I also got more comfortable with the transportation system, classes, the weather, the people... all things Argentina.
I share this second reflection bearing all these things in mind. Although, I was in between the joy of new and the sorrow of being home sick, things began to fall together in a way that I couldn't have predicted. I share this reflection and the recap of the first couple weeks with the intention of keeping it real. Studying abroad, being abroad, is CUTE; but it's not always sunshine and rainbows. Nevertheless, God always has an unique way of making difficult things beautiful.
Once I made it through the first couple of week in Argentina, I knew I could make it through the remaining 4-weeks. May this serve as reminder that you too have come farther than you might've imagined. If you could make it to September 2024, you can make it even further.
Also, some exciting things are on the way🥹! I'll be launching a Black Ponder Puffs' Podcast before the month is over. Stay tuned 💜😊I love you. Jesus loves you most.
Be Bold. Be You. Be Fruitful.
With encouragement and love,
Miss Ponder
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