The Real Patagonia
Considering all there is to see and do here -- glaciers, penguins, whales, snowcapped mountains -- life in the Patagonia (aka the southern half of Argentina) may seem pretty glamorous. However, today we experienced the REAL Patagonia -- mile after mile of flat, barren land, empty except for scrub brush, sheep and the occasional isolated ranch. Oh, and guanacos and ñandus, which were definitely fun to see. (Guanacos are similar to llamas, and ñandus are sort of like ostriches). Today we drove for about 3 hours on bumpy, dusty dirt roads -- no towns, no gas stations, no bathrooms -- just lots of wind and scrub brush! About 100 yards before we finally reached asphalt (ah, the bliss of a smooth, paved road), we hit a particularly nasty bump and the muffler broke! We had to drive several more hours with an awful roar in our ears, so loud we had to shout to hear each other's voices. This trip is typical of the journeys Deron's parents take throughout the Patagonia as they visit churches, encourage pastors, and lead Bible studies with new Christians. We definitely have a new respect and appreciation for their willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure that the people of the Patagonia hear about Jesus.
Considering all there is to see and do here -- glaciers, penguins, whales, snowcapped mountains -- life in the Patagonia (aka the southern half of Argentina) may seem pretty glamorous. However, today we experienced the REAL Patagonia -- mile after mile of flat, barren land, empty except for scrub brush, sheep and the occasional isolated ranch. Oh, and guanacos and ñandus, which were definitely fun to see. (Guanacos are similar to llamas, and ñandus are sort of like ostriches). Today we drove for about 3 hours on bumpy, dusty dirt roads -- no towns, no gas stations, no bathrooms -- just lots of wind and scrub brush! About 100 yards before we finally reached asphalt (ah, the bliss of a smooth, paved road), we hit a particularly nasty bump and the muffler broke! We had to drive several more hours with an awful roar in our ears, so loud we had to shout to hear each other's voices. This trip is typical of the journeys Deron's parents take throughout the Patagonia as they visit churches, encourage pastors, and lead Bible studies with new Christians. We definitely have a new respect and appreciation for their willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure that the people of the Patagonia hear about Jesus.
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