Already been a month. Crazy.

Today we had our culture class at the estancia. Right when we got there we were ushered onto the dance floor and put into two lines: hombres y muejers. We learned the traditional dance of the gauchos (original cowboys of Argentina) and it was really fun! I guess I would compare it to square dancing but it was very different. It was a mix between tap, square and contra, with some spanish hand motions thrown in there. I liked it much better than tango because it was fast paced and it was not the list bit awkward, except when I messed up of course.

After dancing we had a lesson in mate (the tea). It was great becuase everyone here drinks mate all the time, but it was great to have everything explained to us: how they make it, what type of container/cups can be used, what the container is made of, what type of straw is the best, and many differnt ways to make it. There was one kind that had coffee in it and I didn't think i would like it, but I did! Many many things to bring back to the states.

(if you look close you can see the mate stuff on the tale and the mate cup in his hand)

After mate we learned a tradtional card game from Spain called "chanco". It was very similar to spoons or kemps, but with differnt cards. It was really fun to just hang out, drink mate, and play cards with everyone. I love these culture classes because they take to time to explain to us why things are the way they are, and then show us how to do it! Last week we rode horses and cooked, this week we learned tradional games and dances, and next week I think we are cooking again. Very excited.

After class I went home and was welcomed by about 25 teeneagers in my front yard. I did not know Candi was having a party, but it was fun to walk through the house and have all the little teenage boys be like- who are you?! haha I talked to them for a little bit and then went for a run because I didnt want to get in the way. As much as I know my famliy loves me, I doubt my sister wants me to sit on the couch and try to be in their conversation, my broken spanish kinda interupts the flow of conversation haha

Today was our last day of the intesive course and I can not believe that I have been here a month. It has flown by faster than you can imagine. I thought I would be missing home and friends so much, but I am too busy enjoying myself here! [sorry guys :) ] I still have a lot of trouble with the language and struggle constantly to understand people, but it is better each day. Now that I am familiar with the city, comfortable with my daily schedule, and loving my family: everything is easier! I love the people I have met here and the exeriences I have shared with them. The Lord really knows what hes doing and He has this entire adventure planned out for me. I cannot wait to see what else He has in store for the next 4 months. Nos vemos!