The Kindness of Strangers

Since being here I have been blessed to find kind people when I need them most:

-Some of the first times I used the buses, the other people waiting were willing to explain how to get where I needed to go and if I was on the right track
-When I have been lost, people are usually patient with me while explaining directions, and then always ask where I am from and start up conversations
-At church all the weeks we have gone (different churches) people will come up to us and introduce themselves and welcome us. We even got invited to pizza on Friday by two girls we met at church last week.
-Another lady at church explained to me two times (since I didnt understand the first time) how to cure a maté gourd, which I will do tomorrow so I can finally try maté.
-We have met lots of Americans who are excited to talk to us and share experiences (we met these two girls on St. Patricks Day who were doing a 3 country study abroad program: India, Argentina, and South Africa, who were so fun to talk with)

Finally,
-Today, I was not feeling well after my art/architecture class, but had to take the subte during rush hour (when there are always a lot of people and it is so hot).  I was standing in the crowded car and felt like I was going to fall over and pass out (I hadnt had much to drink and hadnt eaten much recently, and also I have a cold=not a good combination for a hot subway ride) so I asked this lady who was sitting near me if I could have her seat. She gave it up quickly and then kept checking in on me during the ride and even volunteered to call the medic (but I said that I would be fine). Giving up her seat is one thing but following up and really making sure I was ok is another thing.

The kindness and patience of strangers (and my host family) is such a blessing.

Also, all of you who are praying for me: thank you! Your prayers are much felt and needed as this is such an important experience in my life. My classes after week 3 are getting better but there is still so much I dont understand in lectures. Please continue to pray for my Spanish to improve quickly so I can pass my classes.