I know Christmas was a while ago, but it was such a cool experience, I wanted to share it with you now, even if I am late.
This Christmas, I was given an amazing gift: a family. As I’ve said, my friend Tori and I lived with a Chilean family. They went above and beyond what they agreed to do. They knew we would only been at their house for two short months, but because of their actions, those two short months have forever impacted my life.
They immediately invited us into their family. Hernan, my dad, is always there to make us laugh. Not a day went by where he didn’t make me smile. He is a hard worker, and he is a servant; he is always there to give us rides, get us bread, take care of us, and stay up late having tea and talking! Priscila, my Chilean mom, is a mother through and through! She quickly began teaching us how to properly make our beds, how to cook, how to prepare once (Chilean tea time), where the dishes go, and on and on! Not only does she teach us how to take care and help out at the house, she is always sharing with us stories of God’s goodness in her life, God’s presence through hard times, and demonstrating strong faith in God even when it is hard. Pricila is a comforter, a nurturer, a friend, a teacher, and always a joy. They have four kids that were quick to welcome us to their family, and graciously practiced their English with us while we practiced our Spanish with them. Their whole family is amazing. I consider it an honor that these people have welcomed me into their family and culture. They have been such a comfort and joy, and I am so thankful that we spent the holiday season with them!
Now, let me share with you what Christmas Eve/Christmas looked like for me in Chile!
Biggest difference between Chile and USA’s Christmas:
In Chile, the big celebration is on the 24th.
On Christmas Eve, we went to church, where I read a large portion of the Christmas story in Spanish. We introduced candlelight service to them, and sang Noche de Paz (Silent Night).
For lunch, we had a big barbecue in the little outdoor kitchen. I’ve never had so much red meat in my life as I have here in Chile.
To bring in a little bit of our own traditions, Tori and I decided to make a dish that we eat with our families back home. I attempted to make Christmas candy. I am not a cook, but it seems like everyone in this family was, so I was a little worried. Once I finished it, I left to get ready. When I came back it was burned to a crisp! Someone thought it was supposed to go in the oven. Honestly, it was almost a little relieving. Now will never know if it was good or not!
In Chile, Christmas Eve dinner is very formal. Since I don’t carry around formal clothes in my backpack, Pricila gave Tori and I dressed to try on. I put on a fancy, simple, black dress and 4 inch wedges! It was amazing. First time I’ve felt pretty in a while! Then my mom said it was made for me, and gave it to me! Now I do carry around a formal dress in my big backpack, right next to my tent and sleeping bag.
Before dinner, we sat down for cocktails/appetizers. We went around the room and talked about what God meant to us. In Spanish, I said I was thankful for this opportunity to travel, and how amazing it was to see the work of God in each country. We have different cultures and countries, but God is always the same.
Dinner was supposed to be “early” at 9pm, so naturally we sat down to eat dinner at 12am. Merry Christmas! I had already eaten so much that day, so when they set a giant piece of turkey in front of me, I didn’t know what to do! It was the best turkey I’d ever had, but my body only allowed me to eat 3 bites!
In Chile, they are impatient, so they open all their presents that night. 1am and we exchanged presents! That family is way too kind to me and gave me a fanny pack, a mug from Chile, essential oils, that dress, a stocking to put in my house in the US, earrings, and a shirt! So blessed, so loved. At 3am I fell asleep.
Woke up around 10:30 the next morning, Christmas Day! The weird part of doing everything the night before, is that when Christmas Day comes, you have nothing to do because you did everything during the night when you were barely awake! I called my mom, had a late breakfast with the fam, then called my basically sister/best friend. I got to message some old friends and that was so good. Unfortunately, the WiFi went out in the middle of my texts and phone call…
One of the weirdest parts about Christmas in Chile, is that it was HOT! No white Christmas here. Christmas Day I went out to the pool and put my toes in the water!
After lunch with my family, my team met at the church and we celebrated together! We talked about family traditions, prayed for our family’s, and ate sweets! Love my ladies, so blessed to have them.
It is often said that Christmas is a time where the gifts you receive represent the gift Christ gave us. This Christmas, this truth was tangible. I was staying in someone else’s house, eating their food, using their WiFi, hot water, and electricity, and they bought ME presents! They didn’t have to give me anything! They showed loved to me, and then more love, and then more. God doesn’t just show us some love, he shows us the greatest sacrificial love, kind love, unchanging love, ever-present love, tangible love, unconditional love.
These Chileans are so amazing at showing the love of God. They aren’t perfect, but they seek to love one another like family, and I am so blessed that I got to be apart of not only my family, but the church family. I am in Peru now and my Chilean mom continues to care about me by asking how I am and what is going on.
Thank you Chile for your love and kisses
I love and miss you!
