Welcome to Chile!
8 days ago in the wee hours of the morning, I started the adventure of traveling from America to Chile.
The summer spent preparing for the moment of leaving my home and all the people I love had arrived at last. Nothing prepared me for the whirl of emotions that would hit. It was finally time to abandon all the certainty, comfort, and security that the walls of my home embodied in exchanged for 11 months of all unknowns as I moved from place to place.
After a total of 56 total hours of traveling; a backpack straight to the face, 3 flights (one of which didn’t have an AC), a long layover in Boston (tour of Fenway Park and a juicy burger with friends), camping in airports, races from one bus station to another, falling on my face in the busy, dirty streets of Santiago, temporarily leaving half the team at a bus stop (way to go Matt!!), and at last a 20 hour bus ride.
I finally made it to my new home.
Antofagasta, Chile instantly became just that, my new home.
A home that welcomes you in with a wide open door (and a “Howdy Y’all” sign).
A home where families wait with arms eager to embrace you.
A home where love is shown around the table with spectacular food and joyful conversation.
A home where “mi casu, tu casa” is truly lived out.
A home where laughter is shared.
A home that may not speak the same language but speaks in love.
A home where you instantly become family.
A home where people come together to worship the Lord.
A home where World Racers are blessed to enjoy a real bed.
A home filled with people who you love dearly.
A home that will be incredibly difficult to leave.
