Lost in Translation

Not too much unusual or exciting has been happening in our lives lately. Studies continue, and they're going well. I taught a lesson last week on Bible translations in Spanish. Interesting stuff. The Reina-Valera 1960 Bible is the most common Bible used by non-Catholics in Latin America. I personally tend to prefer the 1995 update to that Bible because it's essentially the same Bible without as many archaic words and with better Spanish grammar. I was floored to hear that some people (King James only people) say that pastors who use the Reina-Valera 1960 are heretics. Wow, these issues make no sense to me. While we argue about what translation is best, more people die without knowing Christ as Savior.

We purchased tickets to return to the States on Dec. 20 and fly to Bogota Jan. 10.

I've been trying to think of a new name for this blog; probably something in Spanish that gives the essence of the blog. Nada se me ocurre en este momento (Nothing occurs to me right now).

Here's a nice meditation on Proverbs 18:13 for anyone interested:

Ten Reasons to Listen to Questions Before You Answer.

We spent an hour of class today analyzing condolences sent to La Nacion (the paper of middle/upper class Costa Rica) for people who have died. How interesting!

Apparently, it's a "social obligation" to publish a note of condolence in the paper. Some companies use it for advertising (obviously they wouldn't put it that way). For example, Dole (the fruit company) had a note of condolence for the sister of a coworker. Never mind that the Dole logo was bigger than the headline.

For Catholics, they use these notes to tell people about the masses that will be held for the deceased. The more people that come, the more indulgences are acquired. Thus, the person's time in purgatory is shortened. Did I mention that the Church receives money for each mass? Interesting how that works.