A Soliloqui

     Sitting in Church one freezing Thursday evening, I thanked God for His goodness in placing me in this church and for His goodness in revealing Himself to be the same in all cultures, all times, and all places. I cannot even remember the entirety of the message given by one of Isa's brothers-in-law, but I do know it resonated with me and yet, again, spoke of God's great grace and power. Even warmly bundled up, blessed with a heater, and sipping cafe or tea, we could hardly stand the cold. IT WAS WORTH IT.

     Such a blessing has been given to me in these brothers and sisters in the faith. Especially those in Isa's family. It's amazing to see how close they are to each other. Yesterday, one sister testified through song how there are hard, stormy times in life where the devil asks us, "where is your God", and where we feel alone, but we know that God never abandones us. Hearing her sing, filled me with such a peace that, despite hard times I've been through, God has been faithful, and I have not suffered loss. He holds securely in His hand what really matters and His promises never, ever fail.

      An unexpected well of richness in the things of God and in matters of language and history has appeared in the person of Mama Isabel. We talk over spiritual topics, literature, the history of Chile (and more)... And, as in all lives, the way in which she lives, her responses to everyday, and not-so-every-day, events has taught me much.

     It is still with the youth that I mainly interact in the church. During the last few days it has been an amazing feeling to realize that I am becoming part of the group. Yes, there are still language barriers, but aside from that, and aside from being Isa's friend "from the United States", I am truly being accepted as a member.

     The next month will be full of so many events (mostly parties...there are a lot of parties) that I fear it will pass all too quickly. I believe this last third of my time here will be the best, even if it is also the coldest.