Argentina Team Update #3

Day Two

A much-needed day of preparation! We started the day with breakfast that was provided by the hotel. I saw pastries, lunch meat, fruit medley, fruit loops, and cookies at the buffet. Sometimes you just must go with an eating plan that you’re not used to. At least there was coffee.

We had a great devotion and then ironed out some details for the next three days of planning. After that, we drove to the fire station and met with Sebastian, who is the Jefe (Boss), and shared all our plans with him. He is one of the people we are working very hard to build a solid relationship with and show him how God has renewed our minds and freed us from the bondage of sin. He was also very helpful in getting our fire fighting gear through Customs and is excited to be receiving much needed equipment and training for his subordinates.

We returned to the hotel in the afternoon, had lunch, and then had a couple hours of down time. Darren asked if I wanted to do a workout in the gym, so I naturally said “yes.” According to Bro Code section 5, subsection 4.3, “when asked to work out with another Bro, any answer other than ‘yes’ will be taken as an immediate violation and the person being asked will be subject to ridicule, particularly directed at their perceived weakness and lack of ability.” So, yeah, I worked out and it was great having a buddy make sure I didn’t pass out while being double over, gasping for air after a set of Burpees. This team is very easy to work with and it’s nice that we all fit right in with each other. As the week progresses and we start experiencing the unexpected, we will need to lean into each other and count on that grace and familiarity.

We ended the night with another round of empanadas at a shop down the street. Tomorrow our lessons start and I am excited to make new connections and share God’s love with 25 new firefighting recruits.