Hello, everyone!
It's been quite some time since I've written on the blog. The inspiration tank has been empty, and I'm not really sure why. Consequently I have decided just talk a little bit about life in general.
School is going well. We recently passed the midpoint of our semester and got all of those midterms out of the way. This week and next were have been/are pretty busy for me because I have 4 presentations. Wednesday and Thursday this week and Thursday and Friday next week. (Mental math would tell the reader that I have completed 2 and have 2 more.)
The church is also doing well. I'm currently playing the congas with the worship team. Our pastor is hoping to make it to Argentina in early November. We're really praying that he can come soon. The church has been without a pastor for much too long.
As some of you know, I'm playing basketball with the university team. It's pretty rag-tag and informal, but I enjoy it.
Saturday we're going, as a church, to a different church that's basically in the slums. A member of our church used to pastor there. I'm looking forward to it, and the whole church says that it's always a great trip. (I'm going to miss a basketball game, but that's the way things go).
As Hulu doesn't work outside of the US, I have had to find other ways to watch Psych. My cousin Sarah gave me a link that is working thus far.
I'm not really sure what else is of relevance... God is always good, but you probably know that. :)
Later,
Will
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Almighty Dollar
Most Americans don't have to worry about currency. In the US, we have one form of money: Greenbacks. No drama, no problems. My Econ prof brought up some very interesting points today in class. He was talking about the general mistrust of the peso here in Argentina. In Argentina, it began in the late fifties when the devaluing of the peso became common and inflation was at %100 annually. And today, even the people that recycle cardboard for a living know the exchange rate between the Argentine peso and the US dollar.
He made the point that Argentina has two currencies. I was told once that any amount that was 4 digits or more in pesos would be listed in dollars. And it's really true, small purchases are the only things that are handled in pesos. All properties, vacation packages, and luxury cars are sold in dollars.
This same professor recently bought a house in a high-end neighborhood of Buenos Aires. He never mentioned the exact price, but in one example, he used the term $300,000 USD. And judging by the area of town, a two-story house is worth at least that much. It was a very interesting process: In a room in the back of the bank, a notary checked over the contract, all spelled out in pesos. Then, the seller said, "Well, get the dollars." So, the buyer walked down the hall to the teller and bought the dollars. (The notary had informed the bank that on that day they would need x amount of dollars, cause he wants to get paid too). The buyer carries the armful of greenbacks back to the room where another man counts them, under the notary's supervision.
Once everything is settled, the seller begins to divide money up into stacks of about $60,000 and gives them to his family members who were with him, mostly women. They began to hide their money in their garments. Money secured, the merry little band headed out to the car, which was parked three blocks away. The buyer (my prof) told us that he felt so bad that he walked with them to the car, just for safety's sake.
He used this story to illustrate the system of two currencies. Then, asked us (a class of mostly Americans) what was written on our money. Of course, the Portuguese student answers, "In God We Trust." The other is "This note is legal tender for all debts public and private." He told us that in the States, you can't refuse someone who wants to pay you in dollars. U.S. greenbacks are good for any kind of payment. In Argentina you have the phrase "Traeme verde" - "Bring me green." Pesos are often rejected.
Dollars is the currency of savings in Argentina, and most developing countries. For example China's federal reserve is all in dollars, (about 20% of our GNP). Brazil and Russia save in dollars too. The whole world is looking for green. This gives strength to the States because they can keep printing money.
The interesting thing is that even though it would seem to make more sense to save in Brazilian Reals or Chinese Yen (currencies of fast growing nations), the world continues to, overall, trust the dollar. They always have.
All of this makes me wonder: What happens if the US is brought to a point where the government feels the need to devalue the currency? I kinda feel like the whole world would be in trouble.
But, I don't really know anything.
He made the point that Argentina has two currencies. I was told once that any amount that was 4 digits or more in pesos would be listed in dollars. And it's really true, small purchases are the only things that are handled in pesos. All properties, vacation packages, and luxury cars are sold in dollars.
This same professor recently bought a house in a high-end neighborhood of Buenos Aires. He never mentioned the exact price, but in one example, he used the term $300,000 USD. And judging by the area of town, a two-story house is worth at least that much. It was a very interesting process: In a room in the back of the bank, a notary checked over the contract, all spelled out in pesos. Then, the seller said, "Well, get the dollars." So, the buyer walked down the hall to the teller and bought the dollars. (The notary had informed the bank that on that day they would need x amount of dollars, cause he wants to get paid too). The buyer carries the armful of greenbacks back to the room where another man counts them, under the notary's supervision.
Once everything is settled, the seller begins to divide money up into stacks of about $60,000 and gives them to his family members who were with him, mostly women. They began to hide their money in their garments. Money secured, the merry little band headed out to the car, which was parked three blocks away. The buyer (my prof) told us that he felt so bad that he walked with them to the car, just for safety's sake.
He used this story to illustrate the system of two currencies. Then, asked us (a class of mostly Americans) what was written on our money. Of course, the Portuguese student answers, "In God We Trust." The other is "This note is legal tender for all debts public and private." He told us that in the States, you can't refuse someone who wants to pay you in dollars. U.S. greenbacks are good for any kind of payment. In Argentina you have the phrase "Traeme verde" - "Bring me green." Pesos are often rejected.
Dollars is the currency of savings in Argentina, and most developing countries. For example China's federal reserve is all in dollars, (about 20% of our GNP). Brazil and Russia save in dollars too. The whole world is looking for green. This gives strength to the States because they can keep printing money.
The interesting thing is that even though it would seem to make more sense to save in Brazilian Reals or Chinese Yen (currencies of fast growing nations), the world continues to, overall, trust the dollar. They always have.
All of this makes me wonder: What happens if the US is brought to a point where the government feels the need to devalue the currency? I kinda feel like the whole world would be in trouble.
But, I don't really know anything.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Responsibility and Trust
According to the StrengsQuest quiz, responsibility is my top strength. This makes sense, since I am an oldest child. I consider my self a responsible person and take jobs and duties seriously. I also am quick to blame myself when things go wrong. Deep down, I may know it was directly someone else's fault, but I'm quick to apologize because I can see how I could have prevented the problem.
In the situations with which I am involved, I like to be in charge. "Being in charge" brings high levels of control and responsibility, which is good. I don't like getting involved with things that are going to tie my hands and leave me at the mercy of someone else.
About now, you're probably thinking: Will, I really don't care about your thought processes or that you're a control freak. Get the point!
The point is this: Because I like to be in charge, I find it difficult, sometimes, to trust God. I feel uncomfortable with situations that I can't control. I mean it sounds great to say, "Well, I'm just trusting the Lord on this one..." But in the end, I feel so irresponsible and immature. I think, I'm an adult and can take care of myself! What am I doing? The reason for this is that I don't want to give up "being in charge." Not being in control means that I am left with nothing. The only thing to cling to is Christ. There's no "standing alone because I can" because, quite frankly, I can't.
Recently, I have been finding myself in more and more situations where unhindered faith and trust in God is absolutely necessary. In those situations, I tend to realize that trusting God is actually the most mature and responsible decision possible.
In the situations with which I am involved, I like to be in charge. "Being in charge" brings high levels of control and responsibility, which is good. I don't like getting involved with things that are going to tie my hands and leave me at the mercy of someone else.
About now, you're probably thinking: Will, I really don't care about your thought processes or that you're a control freak. Get the point!
The point is this: Because I like to be in charge, I find it difficult, sometimes, to trust God. I feel uncomfortable with situations that I can't control. I mean it sounds great to say, "Well, I'm just trusting the Lord on this one..." But in the end, I feel so irresponsible and immature. I think, I'm an adult and can take care of myself! What am I doing? The reason for this is that I don't want to give up "being in charge." Not being in control means that I am left with nothing. The only thing to cling to is Christ. There's no "standing alone because I can" because, quite frankly, I can't.
Recently, I have been finding myself in more and more situations where unhindered faith and trust in God is absolutely necessary. In those situations, I tend to realize that trusting God is actually the most mature and responsible decision possible.
Monday, September 12, 2011
¿Todo Tranquilo?
The title is a a very typical greeting here in Argentina. It literally means "Is everything tranquil?" The normal response is "yes," mostly because it's a greeting.
This question caught my attention the other day. I don't think that in the States this greeting would really work. Partially because no one says "tranquil," but also because the stateside culture doesn't revolve around "taking it easy" as much as it does here in Latin America. I have heard some people say in the English: "things are pretty chill," but that's not often the case.
I am a person who generally appreciates punctuality. When it depends on me, I arrive on time. This often means sacrifices on my part because I enjoy taking my time with things like getting up the morning. This has caused for frustration in my life (both in Argentina and Mexico) because the general public doest not share this same value. The sweet time is taken without the sacrifice of something else.
As a result, the pace of life here is slower. And I am not complaining about that. In fact, stress about times and deadlines goes away.
I used the words "frustration" and "stress" on purpose. When the time crunch factor is taken out of the equation of life, it's much easier to answer "yes" when someone asks you if everything is tranquil.
This question caught my attention the other day. I don't think that in the States this greeting would really work. Partially because no one says "tranquil," but also because the stateside culture doesn't revolve around "taking it easy" as much as it does here in Latin America. I have heard some people say in the English: "things are pretty chill," but that's not often the case.
I am a person who generally appreciates punctuality. When it depends on me, I arrive on time. This often means sacrifices on my part because I enjoy taking my time with things like getting up the morning. This has caused for frustration in my life (both in Argentina and Mexico) because the general public doest not share this same value. The sweet time is taken without the sacrifice of something else.
As a result, the pace of life here is slower. And I am not complaining about that. In fact, stress about times and deadlines goes away.
I used the words "frustration" and "stress" on purpose. When the time crunch factor is taken out of the equation of life, it's much easier to answer "yes" when someone asks you if everything is tranquil.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
There Are Things that You Can't Learn at a Christian College
It's very difficult to teach something that you don't believe. I have had very little contact with the modernism and postmodernism points of view in my life. The only time I can really say that they were explained to me well was in church a while back from a seminary student who quickly explained them and why they were wrong. Especially in Christian settings, it's really hard to teach stuff like that because it just doesn't match our worldview.
My communication class here is all about globalization, postmodernism, individualization, fragmentation, and stuff like that. We're learning about how the world is changing, become more alike, yet also breaking apart. Coming together, but becoming more individual. It's really, really difficult to teach that without a postmodern worldview. The idea that everyone has their own truth, and the idea of absolute, objective truth is non-existent.
One of the books that we are reading is called Liquid Modernity. It's the idea that everything is ever-changing, and there are no constants. To sum it all up, the world is moving and morphing at a spectacular pace. The voice of mass media reaches every corner of the planet, broadcasting every imaginable idea or belief.
So where am I going with this? The last few weeks in church Pastor Dan has been speaking about trusting God in change. An accident? Doubt it. His first point on Sunday was "In the midst of change, trust the things that never change." Talking about God and His Word.
Mix that into a postmodern world and what do you get? A swirling hurricane of information, beliefs, viewpoints, and news with one thing standing undaunted: The Word of God.
My communication class here is all about globalization, postmodernism, individualization, fragmentation, and stuff like that. We're learning about how the world is changing, become more alike, yet also breaking apart. Coming together, but becoming more individual. It's really, really difficult to teach that without a postmodern worldview. The idea that everyone has their own truth, and the idea of absolute, objective truth is non-existent.
One of the books that we are reading is called Liquid Modernity. It's the idea that everything is ever-changing, and there are no constants. To sum it all up, the world is moving and morphing at a spectacular pace. The voice of mass media reaches every corner of the planet, broadcasting every imaginable idea or belief.
So where am I going with this? The last few weeks in church Pastor Dan has been speaking about trusting God in change. An accident? Doubt it. His first point on Sunday was "In the midst of change, trust the things that never change." Talking about God and His Word.
Mix that into a postmodern world and what do you get? A swirling hurricane of information, beliefs, viewpoints, and news with one thing standing undaunted: The Word of God.
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever
But the word of our God stands forever
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Perception of sin
As I get older, I come in contact with more and more sin. It just happens, I don't look for it, but it's everywhere. The other day, I noticed that I was becoming a little desensitized to certain things. For example, I've gotten passed the point where my ears bleed when I hear certain phrases (and stuff like that.)
I began to compare that to God. I realized that on that plane, God and I are vastly different. God doesn't get desensitized to sin. His holiness doesn't tolerate any kind of wickedness. So I began to think, where does that leave me?
I'm not going to say that I have an answer. But think about the sin that doesn't bother you to see anymore. Think about how God looks at that sin.
Does your attitude change?
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Salt
The other day, we had company, and my "brother" bought bread from the grocery store around the corner. When I tasted the bread, I knew something was askew. This bread looked completely normal. It had all the indications of regular, tasty bread. But, all of my expectations were shattered when it entered my mouth. The bread was bland, flavorless. My first conclusion was "This bread doesn't have any salt in it." My "mom" later confirmed my sneaking suspicion.
The next day, I ate some regular bread, and some of the saltless bread just because. The difference was impressive. The saltless bread made me want to spit and the wash my mouth out with soap.
I made a comment to my "mom" about the difference, and she said that that is why as Christians, we are the salt of the earth. I was kinda impacted by that. I mean, the earth is gonna taste like that nasty bread if we don't do our job? Yikes!
I began to think about the importance of salt in food. It's an absolute necessity. Cooking isn't really cooking without salt.
The next day, I ate some regular bread, and some of the saltless bread just because. The difference was impressive. The saltless bread made me want to spit and the wash my mouth out with soap.
I made a comment to my "mom" about the difference, and she said that that is why as Christians, we are the salt of the earth. I was kinda impacted by that. I mean, the earth is gonna taste like that nasty bread if we don't do our job? Yikes!
I began to think about the importance of salt in food. It's an absolute necessity. Cooking isn't really cooking without salt.
So here's my question: Are you being salt in your saltless world? Are the places that you frequent impacted positively by your presence?
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
Matthew 5:13
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