Hopes for Argentina ’08

Those of us traveling to Argentina this summer have been meeting on Tuesday nights throughout this semester in preparation for the trip to Buenos Aires and the surrounding area. Last week, Mr. Trainer delivered a powerful challenge to us from Christ’s last supper with his disciples. The challenge was excellent. Mr. Trainer also instructed each of us to take time during this last week to write down three goals that we have for our trip to Argentina. I’ll address them as ‘hopes’ instead. I ended up going beyond three, because I have many things that I would like to experience and see happen as we travel, fellowship, minister, and return.

In Argentina, I hope…

To see God’s work in the lies of believers – both those in South America and those on our team

To see some of the kids that we work with show an interest in God because of the interest and love that we show to them

To better understand Latin culture and the spiritual atmosphere and dynamics of a Catholic society

To be able to experience the Spanish language while being able to understand and communicate in it

To kick start my summer spiritually with a fervor for God as we actively serve Him – I want to rebuild the habits that I have lost throughout this semester

To give me a focus on evangelism so that when I come back I am totally determined on spreading the Gospel of Christ throughout Union Grove

In all, I want to see God work in others and in me. I want to feel His Spirit move in me and work through me. I want Him to give me a greater and more focused love for people—with the same compassion that His Son was moved with when He looked upon the multitude. I want this trip to change my mind and change me. I want it to lead me into a greater love for Him.