Trip Of a Lifetime

Have you ever wanted to go on a trip to another country? This March, along with my family, I was able to travel to Argentina. My grandma, Lina Correll was born and raised in Argentina. Lina’s mother gave her to the Quilmes Children's Home when she was 3 and a half years of age because she was poor and did not have a home. Lina lived at the children's home till she was 20. At 26, Lina got married to Mike Correll, who was serving in the U.S. Marines, and they soon left for the United States one month later.

Since leaving, Lina has visited Argentina and the children's home eight different times. She loves to visit the kids. "It was very emotional because it had been a very traumatic experience to live all those years away from my mom and dad," Lina said. She was very happy she grew up there because that was where God put her, and she was able to learn about Jesus.

In March of this year, visiting the children's home was different. Normally, the children were orphans, but this time, they were children who had been taken by the government because of neglect or abuse. There were about 20 children there with the youngest being 3 years old and the oldest being 12. The kids sat around and listened to Lina as she talked to them about God. Afterwards, she gave out presents she had brought for them. They were all very excited and were able to go outside to play and look at their new toys and items.

The children's home was the beginning of her story, but it was not the end. Since Lina could speak Spanish and English, she worked as a teacher and was able to tell others about Christ. "Until someone stops me, I won't stop," Lina said. No one has ever stopped her. "I feel so rich and blessed because that is where I learned about God,” Lina added.

While we were in Argentina, we visited Iguazu Falls, which can be found on the border of Argentina and Brazil. This is the largest waterfall system the world has, and both Brazil and Argentina have different lookout points. On the Argentine side you have to take a small train to get to the walking spot. The walk there gets you hot, but once you get to the falls, you can feel the cool mist that feels wonderful.

From the lookout point, you have a chance to go on a boat and go under some waterfalls. The trees and vines along the river made it feel like something from a movie. Getting drenched by the water, it was truly an amazing experience.

A rather beautiful building that we visited was Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral. The floor was made of very small tile pieces that were intricately put together over the entire floor in patterns. The ceiling was very high with detail and carvings everywhere. There were many statues of Mary and Jesus carved out of marble. My uncle said he could spend a month in the cathedral and still not see it all. The intricate details were just astonishing. Overall, I am very glad I was able to visit my grandma's home in Argentina and see and experience many different things.