Hello world!

It's been about two weeks since I have posted an update, but as of now I am officially in the land of tango, wine, asado, and futbol! A.k.a I am in Argentina! Our residency is on the outskirts of the beautiful city, Mendoza (located in the western part of Argentina, close to the Andes Mountains)! This month is all squad month which is perfect for Christmas! Our squad has partnered with YWAM (Youth with a Mission), which you may have heard of because they are all over the world! They are a global movement! At YWAM: Mendoza's base they run a three bi-lingual Discipleship Training School, a School of Frontier Missions, a ropes course/ extreme sports camps, with outreach to unreached people groups, different schools, and international outreach projects! 

(Photo: Our living quarters)

(Photo: Mendoza)

With in the first we week we have done soccer ministry, evangelism, acts of service projects, and visited a couple of churches! The days are long, but I thoroughly enjoy partnering with YWAM! They focus a lot on discipleship and outreach. We were even able to participate in a teaching on how to effectively share the gospel.

My favorite thing about YWAM: Mendoza is that everyone on the base is one giant family and we are so honored that they have opened their homes to us. I think of the opening song lyrics from Good Grace, By Hilsong United.

"People come together, strange as neighbors, our blood is one."

The body of Christ is seriously so beautiful. I can testify to this statement even with my team. My team and I are knitted together and so close. I couldn't imagine life with out them! Anyways, the staff on the base are so kind and I love getting to know them, while also walking along side of them in ministry. One of my favorite things they do here in Argentina is sharing Mate tea. Mate tea symbolizes friendship and is like a social ceremony. You have one cup, one straw, and a group of friends. If you are a germaphobe that might freak you out, but they value sharing and passing around one cup so everyone can taste it one after the other! It is definitely a way to make someone feel honored by another.  

(Photo: Most of our squad around our cutie little Christmas tree!)

(Photo: This is Alycia! She wasn't in the photo above & I told her I would include her in this blog!) 

I love that the Lord has placed us here during Christmas time. It is hard being away from home during the Holidays, but being around the squad and the YWAM staff has blessed my heart in so many ways. The staff of YWAM and Z Squad are just turning into one big family!!!

Now I know this wasn't a very lengthy blog, but I wanted to let you all know that I am alive and thriving in this season the Lord has placed me in. It's crazy that I will be home in 8 1/2 months. The time really is flying!! I hope to post another blog next week and share some more personal things. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday season and I thank you for making time to read this!

Love you all,

Maia