Argentina Bound!

Argentina - the land of SOCCER!

Since I didn't travel with him, Gerson had to take his own photo while he was on the bus. It was a LONG trip! Thankfully, it was a very comfortable bus and practically empty. He had lots of room to stretch out and get comfy!

This is the "river" that forms part of the border between Bolivia and Argentina. Looks a bit dry, doesn't it?

Gerson spent several hours at the border getting the necessary paperwork done. This is the border customs where all buses (and I'm assuming all vehicles in general) must pass through.

Once in Argentina, Gerson had his soccer professor, Fernando, take a picture of him with the bus on which he traveled. He told me that the bus was super nice and more comfortable than an airplane. He had to ride on the top level, but his chair reclined 80 degrees, which was very helpful in getting a good night's sleep.

Fernando seems to be a jack of all trades. He took Gerson to the restaurant he owns with his girlfriend. Gerson took a picture of the menu and prices. The prices are in Argentine pesos. I don't know what the current exchange rate is. Now we know where to go if we are ever in the area again and want some Argentine fast food!

Like all Latin towns and cities, Fernando's hometown of Jujuy also has a central plaza. These plazas are usually beautiful and is a nice place to find a bench and catch up with friends. They are usually found in the middle of town and are a meeting place for many people.

During his stay in Jujuy, Gerson roomed at Fernando's parents' home. He remembered to get a picture of his hosts, but he forgot to get a photo of his professor! Thanks to the hospitality of this couple, Gerson felt right as home. It was a surprise to find out that they are actually from Tarija, the very city where Gerson's mom is from. Due to that connection, they hit it off right away! Gerson was able to share the Gospel with them, and they listened attentively. Someday maybe I'll get to thank them in person for hosting my husband and helping his stay in Argentina be such a positive one.

In the Big Leagues!

While in Argentina, Gerson had the opportunity to go see several teams as they practiced, trained, and played. This is the training facility for one of those teams. It's found in Jujuy, the city where Gerson's professor is from. I THINK the team is called GIMNASIA.

While he was there, the coach of that team was interviewed by the Argentine media. Notice Gerson in the background!! He was filming with our video camera while the media filmed with their big cameras! Later, Gerson also got interviewed, but we don't think his interview made the cut.

The coach actually took time to talk with Gerson and was excited to hear about Gerson's ministry. He said if the soccer boys are trained well from the time they are small, they are able to develop their skills to become great players as adults. He encouraged Gerson to continue working with young kids and youth. He also invited Gerson back for the next day's practice.

On the way out, Gerson was able to "nab" one of the players for a photo. I can't remember all the names of the teams or the players. If you want more info, you'll have to ask my husband! We DID see this player, who is a starter for team, play in a game on TV the Sunday after Gerson returned. It was fun to see the players and the coach on TV, all of whom Gerson had met in person!

Here's Gerson with another player. Once again, I don't remember who he is or on which team he plays.

Gerson took this picture as he watched the training of the team. This is their practice field.

He was also able to watch their practices in the stadium. He had an amazing time and learned a lot. This trip was a dream come true for him.

Last Stop - Tucuman

Gerson's last day in Argentina was spent in the city of Tucuman. Just this year, their hometown soccer team moved up to the major league. Gerson and his professor went to Tucuman to watch a home game.

Gerson would make a great blogger if he had time to do it! He took lots of pictures of the sights. I thought this building was interesting.

You can see the Argentine pride in the way they display their flags on the streets in town.

Gerson thought it was funny to see horses downtown! Personally, they kind of reminded me of a horse and buggy rides tourists find downtown in big cities. It was a new sight for Gerson!

As they were walking down the streets, Gerson and Fernando came across these two fellows. The TALL man is obviously using stilts. Once again, Gerson was amused!

To finish the day, Gerson and Fernando entered the Tucuman soccer stadium. This is the game that was televised. Of couse, when Gerson told me he'd be wearing his bright sweatsuit, I thought I'd be able to pick him out of crowd with no problem! However, the team's colors are red and white! I quickly realized Gerson's attire would not make him stand out at all! I didn't end up seeing him on TV, but I did enjoy the game, knowing he was watching it in person. Also, notice the hat he has on his head. He bought it at the game so he could be an "official" fan of the home team! Smart man!

Technical Difficulties

Oh, dear. We've had computer problems, hence the SILENCE. I got home from school today to find the computer ON and WORKING. I got excited, entered the blog, responded to comments, and began to do this new post.

***SIGH***

Here comes the bad news, folks. It looks like our computer was cleaned to get rid of the virus. Although Gerson backed up all our files and pictures, he hasn't put them back on the hard-drive. I am very technically challenged, so I will have to wait until he gets the pictures back where I can find them and post them.

So, as soon as that happens I will be posting about Gerson's trip to Argentina and about school.

Stay tuned. Thanks for your patience as we face technical difficulties! You are all such faithful visitors!!