I am incredibly tired and have a growing headache so I am going to head to bed soon.
We were up incredibly late last night talking on skype to missionary associate friends in Bolivia, then my mom in WA, and then friends from college in MO. Even though we slept in a little (before the kids got up : ) it still did not feel like enough sleep. I got up with the kids to let Heather try and sleep a little more. Got them munching cereal and drinks while playing or being on the computer.
Later on cooked some lunch for everyone, watched a video with Heather (Bones - TV series), did the dishes, did the laundry, went to the store to buy groceries, washed up all the fruit & veg when I got home and put them away, caught up on line, and got ready for service.
It is very close to freezing now, so walking to church (about 25 minute walk is getting to be not as cool - pun intended). The church ran their heaters for the first time since we have been here. They are small metal grills mounted the wall that glow red hot and put off some desperately needed warmth for the cold concrete shell church. On closer review, you discover that they are actually "on fire!" They run off of natural gas line and not electricity. So be careful if you get too close. There are flames coming out of the front of it! : ) Thankfully that thought through the installation and they are mounted about about 5 feet high on the wall so that little kids do not get into them - including my own. : )
Service was great. There was a warm greeting time before hand - very Latin culture driven. You have to greet everyone if at all possible! No hand shakes will do. It is a hug with a right cheek to right cheek etiquette. It always accompanied by big smiles (they are genuine too. Here, PEOPLE are more important than stuff), and a greeting of "Blessings" or "God bless you Bro/ Sister."
Next we had a little intro and a call to prayer followed by an intense prayer time. It is always one of my favorite times of the service. People are not here to play games or just go through the motions. They are here to meet with God. They WANT to encounter His presence.
Then the worship begins. We have found there to be a VAST range of musical styles employed in different churches here. They range from very cutting edge modern to very old and traditional. They also go for being incredibly professional to very rough. We LOVE the style of worship used at our "home" church here in San Salvador de Jujuy - Centro Cristiano Jujuy. It is very aggressive, upbeat, declarative, cutting edge-modern, and very well done, but without being showy. It is not about being a cool band, it is about encountering and worshiping God! It leans toward a heavy rock sound. We find it extremely enjoyable and easy to focus on God and encounter His presence.
Apparently, even though it is loud, very loud - it is relaxing to Jonny. He is out cold before the end of worship every week! Part of it is his age. At 4 he no longer wants to take a nap, but he needs a nap - if you know what I mean. Well, on Sunday nights he isn't running buck-wild around the house to keep him awake. He is seated in one spot and I think that the atmosphere and the presence of God are like a tonic for him & before you know it...he is out cold. It is rather sweet. Then either Heather or I get the privilege of holding him for the next hour or more while he sleeps soundly. It is a lot of fun. He is still small and cute enough for it. I almost dread the day when he no longer will be.
The pastor, Alberto Sauad, is awesome and we love the messages. They tend to be long - Argentines love long services - but they are very good. The altar times are always awesome too. There is no rush to get out of there. People hit the altars and press in to God. Those who are still in their seats (not many usually) linger in the presence of God. Usually we are one of the early leavers. I don't think it is too much earlier than everyone else, service is about over. But with 3 cranky little ones and an early morning coming up with school, we usually head for the door around 10 pm. Yes, I did say 10 pm. 3 hours or more is not unusual for a service here. : )
The walk home after service was even colder and we could not catch a taxi. The few we saw were all full or headed to a call. It was cool. We make it home in one piece and were just fine.
We hurried through bathroom trips, drinks, and getting into bed. Now that the kids are asleep and I got something to drink, it is our turn.
Good night world. Hope you are doing well.
Love you all and God bless - Peace
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