Proud to be an "Oranensa"...

Today I got really "homesick" for Argentina for some reason... so much that I decided to google earth it. When I came upon the first area I served in, I was in shock! After all, it's just a tiny little pueblo. Needless to say, I had to blog it!

In April of the year 2000, I was born in a small town stated above... born as a missionary, that is... or at least, that's how they say it in the mission. Little did I know, it would be here in Oran where I would learn what really was important in life, and more significantly, what was really important to me (basic necessities to live, God and my relationship with Him, and family).

What started off as a seemingly impossible journey to conquer (learning to speak and comprehend others, walking endless dirt roads, washing clothes by hand, boiling water to drink, killing bugs that bite, and enduring 120 degree heat), ended up becoming my greatest triumph and most valued experience!

With that said, and having served the people of Oran for 7 months, thereby gaining a love for them, their language, and their food, I have nothing but gratitude and endearment for this place.

Although I went on to serve in 3 other areas (2 in Jujuy and 1 in Santiago del Estero), I often come back to my humble beginnings of Oran and reminisce the feelings I experienced there and the people I shared them with. I miss being called "La Grandota" ("the giant"...everyone was super short) and "Satomba La Bomba." Though, I do NOT miss getting something close to Typhoid fever (pooing and yakking at the same time is an unpleasant experience).

Thank you, Oran for all that you gave me...the good and bad! I am proud to call myself an "Oranensa." I hope to return someday...but until then...que te vaya bien!

**I wish I had digital copies of the mish to make this blog more personal. But the above pics are in Oran of trees called "Lapachos"...white, pink, and yellow (except for the first one).