- the Strong’s
So, after more than 24 hours of traveling – including an extra special 10 hour overnight layover in the airport of San Paulo – I finally make it to Buenos Aires. The Strong’s, a missionary couple who are part of AVANT Minstries (http://www.avantministries.org/) met me at the airport as they have generously opened up their home to me to stay until I find a place of my own.
I’m here through the Rotary Ambasadorial Scholarship (http://www.rotary.org/en/studentsandyouth/ educationalprograms/Ambassadorial scholarships/Pages/ridefault.aspx), specifically with the generous help of the Dunn family from West Hartford, CT who have made this experience possible for me. I also am very grateful for the help of my local Rotary Club 6494 of District 7890 and my counselors Mary Martin and Bill Secord.
For the next year I’m going to be studying for a post-grad certificate in non-profit management at the Universidad de San Andres (http://www.udesa.edu.ar/Posgrados/Programas-de-Posgrado/Esp-OSFL)- all in Spanish! I know it’s going to be a pretty serious challenge for me, but at the same time, I am looking forward to really developing a strong comprehension of the language, especially in a more professional/academic setting. I figure the first couple months are going to be really rough, shed a few tears in frustration, and then by the end it’ll be great! Ha, we’ll see. More than that, I’m really excited about the subject matter; really wanting to get a good understanding of management strategies, to be able to bring a more professional approach to my work.
Definitely looking forward to get to know this city; have always heard amazing things about it, as a grand cosmopolitan and cultural center. I plan on taking in as much art, music, dance, and good food as I can while here! Also, I am looking to get involved with non-profit work here, to get more direct experience in the field.
Going to be a grand new adventure!
Wandering Joy 