Well my friends, we made it! We are currently one week into ministry in Calama, Chile.
We made the most of 3 plane rides, a 22 hour bus ride, and 5 hours hanging out in a Santiago McDonalds.
Our hosts have been nothing but gracious, accommodating, and most importantly to myself; a new branch of my family tree. The Lord most definitely hand picked our team to do ministry in Calama because the personalities of all of the humans I am surrounded by are just illuminating with joy.
We’ve had much fortune and are not far from a Walmart right now, so we have been capable of attaining some comfort foods. But we also are sure to indulge in fruits and veggies that are particular to Chilean culture.
Last weekend we participated in CIMA Day preparation and did the Lord show up or what?! We worshipped and walked the streets of Calama, soaking in all of the culture and the Lord’s people. He lead me to a few new friends and allowed me to experience the story once again of an old friend who has forever changed my life.
Sunday services were beautiful and full of light; and then the Lord blessed me with an opportunity to sit in on one of the kiddo’s bible study classes. We made paper stars and Tori beautifully told the story of Abraham. Thank you God for my team.
We have indulged in laughter and tears, the uncomfortable and the straight up love from Jesus.
Chilean skies are crystal clear and the sun makes for a warming gift when the temperature is about 30 degrees cooler than what this desert girl’s body is used to.
Who would have thought that on Monday we would end up visiting a Montessori.. you know.. like the job I have back in Arizona?! Our ministry here includes teaching English and Religion classes to high school students, but I’d like to tell y’all that the word “ministry” in this season of my life and from here on out means “create relationships and be yourself because that’s how Jesus created you”. It also means speaking as much Spanish as possible and dancing in the dirt during recess with the kids.
I was blessed to meet the Montessori Kindergarten teacher and cried tears of joy when she gave me a tour of the classrooms. Montessori education is the same across cultures and I was quickly reminded of the fact that God has placed me here on purpose because the Kindergarten room in Colegio Montessori looked and felt just like PPC at Inspire Kids Montessori.
We’ve visited the deepest lagoon in the middle of the desert and have consumed so much sweet bread that it’s all I ever crave anymore.
Today is Abigail’s birthday. It is a day of celebration. And it is a day of appreciation. Appreciation for my friend, my team, and most importantly my God. Because He gifted me these people, and gifted me this life.
Thank y’all for supporting! I am still working towards being fully funded, and thank you to those who have donated! Love y’all!
