My squad came up with this really cool idea to write blogs about the countries we're going to! 11 different blogs written by 11 different people about 11 countries!

My country? Argentina!!

Argentina comes from the Latin word for "Silver."

Disclaimer: I've never actually been to Argentina. I talked to one of the ladies from my church, Leahna; who grew up in Argentina and is excited about this country being on my route. She gave me some information and cool things about the culture. I also got facts from nationfacts.net/argentina-facts

Argentina holds a special place in the hearts of my church family. The late founding pastor and his wife lived there for 20 years (they were missionaries), and their daughters grew up there (Leahna is their daughter; as is our pastor's wife). Their time there has had quite an influence on the legacy of their family.

The culture, architecture, food and art all have very strong European influences. Around 97% of Argentina’s population is home to people of European descent. Buenos Aires (the capital) is called "the Paris of Latin America." Leahna said, "You literally feel like you are in Europe because of the architecture and way of life. There are the beautiful Iguazu falls in the north, the Pampas or plains in the center, and glaciers in the South. Many people speak several languages however; Spanish is the official language"

Adults and children both travel home after lunch each day to take a siesta. Siestas are short naps that people all around the country participate in. During siestas many businesses and schools close down, and everyone in the country relaxes. There are even a few hotels in the capital city that rent rooms specifically for siestas. The national sport of Argentina is pato, a game that is played on horseback. However, the most popular sport in the region is football - or what Americans know as soccer. Kids and adults both get into the game and love to play it during their free time. Often kids will start up a game of soccer in the streets outside their house and play all evening with their friends. 

Since Argentina is located in the Southern Hemisphere; its climates are completely opposite than the climates in the Northern Hemisphere. When it is summer time in the United States, it is winter in Argentina.

I have heard so many stories of incredible miracles and God moving in Argentina and I'm overjoyed to be able to see, be a part of, and experience that. We don't know what area(s) we'll be in, but I can say that regardless of where we are sent; it's going to be amazing.

I'll be editing this a bit later to add the link to the next country for you guys to check out!