Here is a little insight on the people God has blessed my life with in the last month. These are the people of Chile. My brothers and sisters in Christ. My Familia.
During the time here in Frutillar we were paired with a host family. They have started a mission called Casa Esperanza (Hose of Hope) in Santiago. Now that it is up and running God has called them here to Frutillar to start another home. From the moment we got off the bus and sat down at their dining room to the day that we are left all of their words and actions have been 100% about following God and beginning the service for the women and children here in Southern Chile. Their passion and obedience in following the Lord has been such an amazing example to all of us.
Daniel (the father) Jessica (the mother) Anaís (oldest daughter) Alicia (foster child) Maite (youngest daughter)
During the first few days as well as a few weeks in Claudia came to visit her sister and brother in law (Jessica and Daniel). She currently lives in Whales with her husband. She is so intelligent and caring. She would spend her days cooking for us and then spend the evenings sitting around the table talking and sharing her heart with us. She is such an amazing person and a true blessing to have met.
During our time in Chile we worked in a school called Green College. I was blessed to teach the 8th graders. I was able to teach them during their English block and then help out in other classes where I could. They were such blessings and when they finally warmed up to me they were so sweet. Hearing my name yelled out when I entered the room, having conversations about God and church with them, and all the cheek kisses, hugs and even tears (when we had to say goodbyes) that came out of my time with them.
At Green College there was one staff member that could speak English well. She was the English teacher and was so kind and inviting to us. Her name is Miss. Sandra. She allowed us to get involved, to know the children, and to love on them during our time there. As we were getting ready to leave she put together a time of eating, singing and gifts. She had bags printed with the landmark of Frutillar on it and our names! She poured out her heart with thanksgiving and love for us and our time there with the kids.
Two days a week we went to a church near our home to teach a free English class to anyone from the community that wanted to come. These girls were our regular attenders in the class that I taught. They were always so excited to spend time with us and played along with all the craziness we had planned. The kind words that they said about us during our last meeting was so kind and the letters they gave us will last a lifetime. We are so thankful for the time and memories we were able to build with them.
Mi Familia! These are the people who really welcomed us with open arms. They had begun a church plant in Frutillar (where we were serving). Many of them would drive 45 min or take an hour and 15 min bus ride every Sunday and Wednesday to be a part of the church body. They were such a huge blessing to us. They would worship with us even though they didn’t know the words, they would watch our horrible sits during youth group, and would take the time to translate during the church service.
This is a family that welcomed us into the church. They would work so hard on their English and love us so hard.
Sergio Sr. (father) Gladys (mother) Karin (daughter) Sergio Jr. (son) from Puerto Montt, Chile
Yet another family that loved us hard. Their kids were so sweet and would make us pictures and play with us every chance they could. Plus Danny (the husband) always . had his camera out taking pictures and making us laugh.
These are the beautiful women that slaved away from hours to serve us dinner on two occasions. Two of which we had never met before! What amazing women of God.
All the people pictured above were so kind to us they planned a traditional Chilean meal for us close to the end of our time there. It included clams, oysters, chicken, pork, sausage, beef, potatoes, and a flour cake, then also a potato and pork cake. They would traditionally eat two helpings, take a break to drink tea or wine and socialize, then eat yet again. My heart was so happy while in a country that shows love through food. What a blessing to my soul (but not my pants).
The people at the church decided that they were going to miss me so much that they invited us over for yet another meal on our last night in Chile they invited us over for yet another meal. It included Salmon potatoes, bread, potato salad, and the most most delicious dessert of an apricot, sweet syrup and rice.
After our wonderful meal (the first time) the men took us out to see their town while the women cleaned up. They were so protective of us and walked around like body guards as we walked in and out of stores. They were so patient and walked around with big smiles on their faces and showed us off to everyone that they knew. Even something as simple as spending their gas money on driving us around. What a blessing from God!
Nelson (top left), Danny (top right), Sergio Jr. (center)
Short side story about Nelson:
I first met Nelson when he came to the new church plant in Frutillar. He went and found Claudia and brought her over to me at the end of the service. She was so kind to translate for me. He shared with me the story of a young boy and his family. They had lived in a home near the center of town that one day caught fire, leaving them homeless. For a while they were living under a bridge. He went on to tell me about a time when a young blind hair missionary came to them under the bridge. She came and gave them warm milk and although there was a language barrier she told them that “Only God could help them”. After a few more details he admitted to me that he was that boy and that was his family. To this day “only God can save you” is the only phrase he knows in English. I am not sure why he chose to tell me his story. Why he was drawn to me, but I am so glad that he did and that Claudia was there to translate it to me. What a complete blessing. In closing he told me that I was doing just what that girl did for him and his family. That although I may not seethe fruit of my labors we are planting seeds and making a difference in the lives of these people. What an amazing blessing. I am so grateful for Nelson, for that missionary girl, and for the seeds I have been able to plant.
God is so good. He blessed our time in Chile beyond belief. I am so thankful for the time there, the people, and the food. He is doing some wonderful things and I cannot wait to continue to follow Daniel and the work God is doing through him and his family.
