Why, hello there.More than a month has gone by since I have written a blog. Why?? Because God is great. God is so incredibly great. He has given me more than enough to keep my time occupied and my heart full. So, there. That is my excuse, and well, you're just going to have to accept it. I really hope you haven't been sitting around hitting the refresh button every hour in hopes that I've posted something...(but if you have, I appreciate you and thank you for that very special committment.) So, without further ado, here is a bit of one year anniversary reflecting! "I can't wait..."Lately I have been thinking back to the first few months I arrived here. There were times when I was frustrated with not knowing many people and feeling like I didn't have many extra things to do. I would pray that God would give me opportunities to fill my schedule and to meet awesome people and knew that with a bit of patience and time that surely things would change. And then they did. Some weeks I wonder if I'm even going to be able to Netflix at all. Today in town I saw at least a handful of people I knew. My schedule is now sprinkled with tutoring, dinner invitations, a puppy, and hanging with friends. [And, don't worry, Grandpa, a few dates now and again too.] ;-) God. Is. GREAT. Things are really just getting startedWhen people ask me how long I plan to stay in Chile I like to reply: "Entre hoy y la muerte" which means "Between today and death." Why? Partially because it is an unexpected answer and I like the reaction. Partially because many English-speaking teachers come to Chile but only for a few months to a year and I want people to know that we are here for something more than a cultural exchange. Partially because after one year I feel at home...and let's be real...it is a lot of work to move. Partially because I finally can pronounce Quiñepeumo and Freire. But mostly because in the past when I have made plans of what I thought was a great idea, God's timing was different...and always better. Always. Slow but steadyEvery neighborhood here is sprinkled with little corner stores that carry a small supply of just about anything you could want. Here in Chile they are known as almacenes {al-mah-cen-ehs}. Ever since getting settled in my población I noticed that everyone in the almacenes greeted each other as "neighbor", vecino {veh-see-no}...and thus my dream was born. I wanted soooo badly to be called vecina. I patiently waited and about 9ish months later....it happened. I was on my way out somewhere and as I turned the corner one of the shop owners smiled and said two little words that turned my world upside down: "Hola, vecina." I felt so alive! You know that tingling feeling that you get when a dream becomes a reality? It was just like in the movies...no, actually, it was better. A tear may have escaped. I'm pretty sure there was a rainbow and a shooting star at the same time. I am not even sure if I remembered to greet her back. While the tingles have subsided, the vecina comments keep coming from my corner shop friends and other people I have met in the neighborhood...and sometimes even in the cuter form of veci {veh-see}, which I personally highly favor. Two little words. So much power. Sometimes that's all it takes to make someone feel alive. And those two little words were like a gift that keeps on giving. They have given me a confidence...I feel like I could talk to my vecinos about anything! Well, ok, some stuff anyways...but I am sure we'll get there someday. They have given me a sense of belonging...they know I am not just on tour, but a part of the community...they have accepted me! [cue gospel choir music] They have opened up new conversations and opportunities to share...and I pray that it continues to do so! Those two little words took some time in coming, but they were well worth the wait. (Maybe someday I will have a picture with a neighbor that I can put here!! #newgoal) Etc.
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Hey, guess what?! Today marks my one year anniversary here in Chile...more on that in the next blog! Also, my colleagues Jon & Elise are currently soaking up some sun in the northern hemisphere and will be presenting about life in Chile at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson, WI at 9:15 on Sunday, July 24. If you're in the area, stop by and have a chat with them! amorchile.org We are currently on a two-week winter break from school here in Chile, and I was blessed enough to have visitors during a few of those days! We spent just two short days here in Chile and four short days in Buenos Aires, Argentina (and a few hours in Uruguay, too). It was my first time ever in Argentina and I can't wait to explore more! Here are a few pictures/videos from our adventures... Flying over the Andes = breathtaking. There was, of course, tango. Our short trip basically included eating a lot of really good food, drinking wine & maté, staying up later than your grandma would ever recommend, and chatting it up with Uber drivers. And as usual, what trip would be complete without some dancing?! Today marks one month since I moved to Chile, and I sat back in awe thinking of all that has changed in the past few months. Has the reality of it all sunk in quite yet? Honestly, I’m not sure...but I’m okay with not being sure and I have the Lord to thank for that. A lot of people at the school where I am working have asked me if I feel alone or lonely since moving and I can confidently say that I haven’t. I am at complete peace with my Savior and the immeasurable grace He pours out on us each day. I know that He is with me wherever I go. I know that He sees me everywhere that I am. He is here with me just as He has been with me my entire life and nothing could bring me more comfort. I am never alone. He is in control. On top of my faith in His powerful promises, He continues to show me how He is keeping His promises to care for me:
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