I have arrived safely to my host family's home! As you can expect, my last few days before leaving were fairly busy and my first 24 hours here have been packed! In this post, I will explain what I will need prayer for throughout my time in Argentina. I will most likely need constant prayer in these areas and, therefore, will not list them in my prayer requests repeatedly.
1. Spanish. I originally wanted to ask for confidence in speaking Spanish because my lack of experience in speaking with authentic Spanish-speakers makes me awfully shy, afraid to ask questions, and too focuses on my mistakes. However, since arriving, my real prayer request is for understanding. I used to feel that my understanding was better than my speaking, but it is unbelievably difficult for me to understand most of what is being said here. In addition to my limited vocabulary, I think my understanding is most heavily influenced by the Argentine accent, native slang, and the different verb tense that they use. Please pray for understanding so I can communicate with nationals with ease and without assistance which takes away from other ministry my teammates can be doing. (But praise God for four great English-speakers who have already been so helpful!)
2. Team cohesiveness. Because I am entering a new culture with only one girl from a different culture than mine, I am a little worried about the potential for conflict. It is so easy for any action to be mistaken or considered offensive. Please pray for patience, understanding, and humility for all parties involved.
3. Health and Safety. Last summer, I sacrificed my health in many areas for various reasons. I have already seen how difficult maintaining my health will be for me considering the cultural differences like small breakfasts, shorter night's sleeps with naps, and late dinners. Please pray that, this summer, I take care of my body by getting sufficient sleep, eating well and not too much, and exercising regularly. Also, because I am in a new country, there are dangers that I may be unaware of, so please pray for protection. I feel so strongly about this because of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies."
4. Guidance. I need guidance every day. I will be meeting and passing many, many people these upcoming months. Please pray for the Lord’s clear guidance in terms of whom to speak to and what to say. Only the Lord knows what each and every person needs.
5. Understanding. While Skyping with some of the Argentinian CFCI coordinators about a week ago, they mentioned that their church is a little more on the charismatic side. For those of you who do not know, charismatic churches focus more on the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit like healing, prophecy, and speaking and interpreting “tongues.” “Tongues” are described as foreign languages-- sometimes Earthly and sometimes Heavenly-- that the Holy Spirit speaks through you. I know it sounds very strange; it is very strange to me, too! That is why I am asking for prayer in understanding. Please pray for firmness in the order that the Bible declares in this area, yet openness in how the Bible is lived out in a way I have not yet witnessed.
Thank you to all for taking the time to read my blog and pray for me! I am so grateful and I know the Lord is using your prayers! If you have any suggestions on how I can improve my writing, please comment or send me an e-mail at Sara.Hayduchok@gmail.com
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