It was a freezing cold wind that whipped at our faces as we waited in line to store our bags in the bus. Jorge had just seen off his family and now he and I were about to embark on the first leg of our two week journey.
It was 24hrs later that we pulled into Mendoza bus terminal, tired and hungry after the long journey. We are greeted there by Elly and after a short taxi ride we reach the "Office."
Reaching the Mendoza YWAM Office
The Office is YWAM Mendoza's city base, a huge old Spanish colonial house in an area of the city that happens to be in the red-light district. Few people work in this large building but it is constantly filled with people, teams that are coming and going which use this place as their base. We stay here for one night before heading out to the "Farm."
The entrance gate to the main YWAM base
The huge farm, not very far out of town, is still in its early days. YWAM is in the process of building its base here, and in the meantime the DTS school meets and eats in a tent on the edge of a football field. Nobody minds lining up in the cold for their food, nor the fact that most things are done outside. Most are happy to be here, focusing on the benefits and not their level of comfort.
The tent where all meetings are held and meals eaten
Today it is freezing though, and even the layers of coats I have on do not seem to help much in keeping it out. Everyone is in the same situation, jumpers, coats, scarves and beanies are the order of the day. The temperature is not terribly low, but the humidity here takes the cold that exists and makes it many times worse than in the south.
I am placed in with the staff, a small room crammed with too many people. The place is a mess, a factor of too much stuff and not enough wardrobes. I scuffle some stuff out of the way and make myself at home. I will be here a week.
Our week is filled quickly with teaching during the first few days and the rest of the week spent in applying the theory just taught. By the weekend we are both exhausted and glad to have some time to rest.
Jorge teaching in the Mendoza tent
Although Monday was our scheduled travel day, a serious bout of the flu made it torturous to travel that day. Now we are travelling today instead. Our week in Mendoza now over, leaving behind some solid friendships that formed during this time.
One of the privileges of travel is getting to know so many amazing people. The drawback to travel is leaving these same wonderful people behind. Distance may separate us but the heart stays united regardless of the miles between us.
One of my new friends from Mendoza
Today we are leaving Mendoza, but carry with us the memories and friendships formed during this time.