News Alert...Spanish beginning to influence my English!

Recently, I have noticed a few phrases that I say in English a lot more than I ever used to before moving to Argentina. I guess the common use of these phrases in Spanish has impacted my English. Here are just a few examples...
- I imagine that…
- The truth is…
- Come!
- Tell me!

I will have really arrived when I start saying….
- I have cold or I have hot
- I have 42 years
- I call myself, David

I imagine that there are many others, but the truth is I can’t think of any right now. Spanish speakers, you know others?? Tell me!

Stay tuned!

these made me laugh!

¡che!

The more I learn Spanish, the more I am picking up on distinct Argentine phrases and slang. One word I noticed immediately was ‘che.’ My trusty gringo guide to understanding the Argentines, titled ¡Che Boludo!, defines ‘che’ as ‘hey!’ or ‘hey you!’ Basically, it’s like a combination of ‘dude/bro!’ & ‘hey!’ The guide also defines it as a meaningless interjection in whatever context.

Okay….so, I am slowly figuring out the appropriate and natural contexts to use ‘che’ as ‘hey' or 'bro’! But, I still use it sparely, so I don’t seem too much like a poser. For sure, the ‘meaningless interjection’ part will take awhile without looking like I am trying way too hard to speak Argentine.

Oh, and in case you were wondering….It is also understood that the word was not adopted from Argentine Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara, but in fact, the opposite. He received his nickname because Argentine’s frequent use of ‘che’ often distinguishes them from other Latin Americans.

this & that

I'll lump some random updates together today! Feeling like I need to "lighten up" my blog a little these days! :)

1) Departure Update:
I am super close to meeting my financial support goals! I long ago exceeded my love and prayer support goals! The overwhelming support, care, encouragement, and prayers of family and friends continue to bless my life! I am now very close to reaching some financial goals before purchasing my ticket to Buenos Aires! I am hoping and praying I can get the green light by next Friday, February 15! I would love to be in Argentina by Palm Sunday and Easter Week! Seems like a meaningful season to begin sharing life and ministry there! But, ultimately, I trust God’s best timing. His timing hasn’t let me down yet…nor will it! Please pray for the Dean Family who will be a month ahead of me in Buenos Aires….they leave February 14.

2) Movies:
I seem to be on a bit of a movie streak this 2008! 1) Juno - The whole package…funny sweet, thoughtful, etc. Ellen Paige deserves the Oscar nomination. 2) The Kite Runner – As usual the book went deeper, but the movie still captured the story and made me cry. 3) U23D – A lot of this was filmed in Buneos Aires…amazing! If you are a U2 fan….see it! Most of us will never get so close to Bono and you feel like you are rocking out with the crowd on floor level! 4) There Will Be Blood – If the trailor for this one freaked you out, the movie is even more chilling. Not for everyone….I’m sure I missed some symbolism in the story. Daniel Day Lewis’ performance will stick with me for awhile (hopefully not in nightmares). 5) Rambo – True confession time! Not sure what I was thinking in seeing this record breaking body count. (Sorry Rich & Ben!) I guess the opportunity to hang out with a good friend I haven’t seen for awhile got the best of me. Even the nostalgic memories of “Ramboing” in high school on the "hill" and "gum grove" in Seal Beach in didn’t justify my decision.

3) Ebay:
I have one last supply of collectible diecast cars to sell. See here. This batch also included old Matchbox pocket catalogs from the 60’s & 70’s. One 1965 catalog sold for $45! Not bad! Fun to see what more I can squeeze out of this before I go! Plus, the extra cash ain’t bad. The postal workers keep asking when I am leaving (I am at the post office at least 2-3 times a week). The other day one woman asked what exactly I would be doing. I told her working with at risk kids on the streets with a mission and answered her good questions. She replied something like this, "Wow, I see you in a different light…I thought you were just some “floater” dude waiting to earn enough to leave on your next trip." I said, "Well, that's not too far off these past couple years...I'm a little of that too!" HA! Classic.

4) Flip Flops:
I rarely wear shoes! I go through at least two pairs of sturdy Reef sandals every year. That includes rotating them with my Brasilian Havaianas. Just got my new pair of Reef Fannings with church keys in today’s mail! If I’m lucky maybe they will get me through Christmas 2008…I’m thinking winters in Buneos Aires may force me to wear shoes a little more.

my college football season still has a heartbeat!

Yesterday my dad and I went to the Rose Bowl to see the UCLA-Cal game! After a fun UCLA upset, I am relieved that my last college football season in the U.S. for awhile still has a heartbeat (for at least another week anyway)!

i'm going

Seems that my high school reunion post has generated record comments! HA! Well, in case you are wondering...I am going to my twenty year renunion this Saturday. I have to confess the ticket was a birthday present from Brian and Anita Biedebach. The push I needed...how can I turn down a birthday gift? Thanks guys!

say it ain't so....

This month is my high school class 20-year reunion. OUCH! To go, or not to go??

Today I realized that this year also marks 15 years since college graduation from Biola and 10 years since seminary graduation from Fuller.

Can it really be? Yikes!

blogspot, myspace, orkut, facebook...oh my!

Not one who wants to miss out on the fun, I am now a part of four online communities. After all, a "friendship" isn't solidified until it is confirmed online, right? haha! But, maybe this is getting a little out of hand keeping up with. ha! If your not my friend yet....look me up. After all, you now have four online options. (Ben, you take the prize in joining me in all four. Hmmmm...)