Dear Antofagasta Chile,
[I wrote this blog on August 31st, the day I left Antofagasta, Chile]
Wow I miss you already. My heart hurts saying goodbye to you. I feel like my time there was short, but I really experienced the culture, the food, the people, and all the happiness you have to bring. Gladys, you welcomed me in like a daughter of your own. At the beginning it was hard leaving my family and close ones from home, but from the first moment I met you, you hugged me so hard and kissed me on the cheek, which comforted me so much. I always felt comfortable at your house and could tell you really cared about me. I know it was not an accident that I was placed in your house. You showed me the love of Jesus through giving me so much food, that my belly couldn’t take anymore. You loved taking my dirty clothes and returning them folded and clean. I am super thankful for our continued conversations.
Francisca and her daughter Martina became two of my sisters during my time in Antofagasta (Gladys nieces). My teammate Rachel and I developed a relationship with them right away. We got to share our testimonies with them and explain Jesus’ love in a sweet way. Towards the end of our time in Antofagasta, Rachel and I wanted to get our friend a Bible before we left. Both of us had many conversations with her about Jesus. We asked our host if she could take us somewhere to buy a Bible in Spanish.
A few days prior, Rachel kept telling me she wanted to get our friend the book Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I honestly thought it was a cool idea, but I knew it would be very difficult for her to have to translate. Gladys (our host mom) took us to a Spanish Christian book store. We picked out the perfect Bible for her and went to the cashier to pay for it. I was trying to focus on what the worker was saying in Spanish just when I glanced over to the left and saw a shelf of Francine Rivers’ books (author of Redeeming Love). In awe we ran over and could not believe this was really it. It was all SO God because we found it in Spanish.
The kids at the school also made a huge impact on me. I enjoyed every conversation even if it was through broken English. It just made my heart smile when I entered the school and the students ran up and said, “Hola CiCi. The last day that we were with the kids in the school, each grade did a presentation for “English Day.” The classes set up booths with information, prepared food, made posters, dressed up, and gave a musical performance about many different English holidays including The Queen’s Birthday, Veteran’s Day, Anzac Day, Canada Day, Kwanzaa, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Mari Gras.
One of my favorite performances was the Thanksgiving story acted out by the second graders. In their presentation, the Indians came over on the Mayflower and were welcomed by the pilgrims, who quickly invited the Indians to meet their president and enjoy a meal with them.
Even though not all the presentations were accurate, it was still really fun to see all the hard work the kids put in.
A big piece of my heart is still in Chile. During this first month of my race, I have learned to submit early. The Lord has been showing me that He is eager to know more of me. He has shown me that He just wants me to be content to just sit in His Holy presence.
Blessings,
Catie Collins Smith
