A Full Day

Saturdays are one of the busiest days of the week.

      Yesterday, as per usual upon finishing breakfast, we went to la feria to buy fruits and veggies. Isa asked me if I had tried chirimoyos before and as I hadn't promptly bought one. Oh...my...goodness! This fruit is delicious! We researched it and found it was good for diabetics because it contains glucose and sucrose, is great for people who suffer constipation since it contains a high amount of fiber, should be eaten by those with high cholesterol as it binds the bad sort, helps people lose weight, is high in vitamines A and C, and is 70-some % water. Why are we not producing this fruit in large quantities here? The only places it is widely cultivated in the States are in the southern part of Florida and in California. Exporting it is tricky because of pest and sanitation issues. Yet, even though it requires tender care, the taste is worth it and the medicinal benefits much more. In the US, this fruit is known as the custard apple, or alternatively, the sugar apple- although these may also refer to other fruits of the same species.

El chirimoyo

The soft, white inside is sort of akin to a pear with a sweet, yet tangy flavour.

     For lunch Isa made a merengue to top our "tutty-frutty", a mix of fruits. We added cookies on each side and a sprinkling of cinnamon. It looks like something out of a fancy restaurant, but made at home.

Delicious...and healthy

     I completed the English lesson in the afternoon. The last one. I taught the sweetest, shyest youth. It cost him to talk with me in Spanish and much more in English. Because he was so shy, it was a real pleasure to see his progress. Writing things out worked much better for him than speaking. The lesson for the day was often presented first on computer, but I tried to then do more hands-on learning.              

Lessons with Brian

     Immediately after the lesson, we had youth group. A new leader is taking over so yesterday was a groundwork-laying kind of day. We had been studying the art of homiletics. Everyone was to take a turn preaching in first person and then hand in a message written in third person. There were a lot of youth that needed to finish the preaching assignment yesterday. Sadly, only one took her turn...which means, more preachings next week (although I won't be there to hear them). I'm sad to miss out seeing everybody dressed up as a biblical character and presenting a message as much from the person's perspective as possible.

     We didn't take once before youth group so we had to wait until we came home. We started preparing things and then guess who showed up? That's right...all my dear friends in the youth group, by groups, by pairs, and solo. They came to take once with me one last time. Ohhhhh! With an assortment of sweet and salty snacks, we spread out over the living room to watch a movie called Miracle Hands. Good movie. If you haven't seen it, it's about Dr. Carlson, who was a leading brain surgeon at John Hopkins and pioneered the first successful separation of twins conjoined at the brain. Fascinating...although difficult to stomach in some parts. At they end, they sang me goodbye to a sweet song. I'm going to miss this group!

     So, kind reader, this is an account of a full and busy Saturday, my last Saturday (at least in this season) in Santiago, Tennessee.

Simply Sharing

What's cooking...or who?

     

     Even though the tasty treat is long gone by now, I wanted to share with you all a picture from last Sunday, when Isa and I made alfajores to celebrate the good news that the miners were safe and alive. I meant to take a picture of them, but, well...you know how it goes. How blessed I am to have a friend and sister who takes time from her translating to make cookies with me! God has given me a gem in her friendship. 

    I also want to update you on the rambunctious Bodoque. He has grown quite large as you can see. We've now taught him the commands of "sientate" (sit), "toma" (take it), and "al bano" (to the bathroom). "Toma" is the one that works best since he knows there's a treat coming. Bodo loves pant legs (which makes it just a little hard to walk), everything soft or hard that's not his (especially shoes and clothes), and since he's outgrown my backpack, has moved his preferred lounging quarters to my suitcase. Oh Bodoquin, I'll miss him!

The little rascal, all cosy!

Girl Time

     Isa and I have discovered a great movie mini-series: Sissy. It is set in the late 1800's in Austria and Vienna. Based on the true story of the last Empress of Austria and Hungary, Isabel de Baveria, these films are delightful. The third takes a turn from the life of Sissy, but is still entertaining. We've set aside part of the evenings this week for some girl time and just finished the third in the set last night.

     Oh how we squealed over the elegant, hoopskirt dresses and lavish palace surroundings! Some things never change... (I have found that even though there may be slightly different customs from one culture to another, human nature and desires remain the same. Chile happens to be quite westernized.) Isa and I have many similar tastes and it has been a fun treat to take these few hours to relax like this.

     I recently stumbled across a plethora of natural face masks, washes, toners, creams- you name it. So last night we experimented. We combined avocado, lemon juice, milk and oats for a refreshing, albeit hilarious-looking facial. Believe me, putting on and taking off the mask was a mess, but so much fun. We even tried to go the whole way with a cleansing face steam beforehand...over the bathroom sink! It didn't work too well.

     I am now inspired to see what else I can make with natural ingredients. There were so many fascinating recipes-many very easy to make. Although fruit and veggies aren't as cheap in the States as here, some of them are still not very expensive. Someday, I'd like to concoct my own personalized skin-care regimen. Think how good this would be for the skin...all the nutrients and care it needs naturally without chemicals for a comparable or lower price than most sets bought in stores. Maybe I can even develop a whole line of natural skin-care. (Hey, I can dream, can't I?) Normally, I'm the type of person that falls in the middle about health issues. I try not to stuff my body with toxic chemicals and I try to exercise, yet I don't go overboard with only eating healthy food, exercising all the time, and using only all-natural ingredients. This idea of whipping up all these cool products really attracts me though. Maybe because it's something very fresh and there are endless possibilities...it's a creative process: one that can easily turn into a hilarious adventure made even better by the sharing of it with sisters and mothers.

Sad News...For Now

     Generally I try to write about what is positive and encouraging in my blogs. Sometimes, though, life doesn't always go the way you hope...or plan...or think you've heard God say. These are times when you just want to cry as reality sinks in.

     Yesterday Isa had her interview to gain her visa so she could come stay with us through the New Year. The two of us had been praying even before this process started and had enlisted the prayer coverage of others.

     Right before Isa went for the interview (which was only a brief affair at a window, not in an office like we anticipated), I prayed that she would have favour and that there would be no hassle in obtaining the Visa. Hah!

     A few minutes later, Isa came back to tell me they had refused to gived it to her. At first I thought she was joking and then realized she was serious. The woman rejected her Visa because "there was not a strong enough tie to bring her back to Chile". As part of the process for gaining this document, applicants must prove that they will not stay illegally in the States because they are compelled to return to Chile by one of three claims on their life: social, economical or familial. Isa had yet to graduate with her certification and presented a document from her school stating this and also stating the date of her testing to complete her requirements for graduation.

     The woman took one look at it and arbitrarily decided to deny her the Visa-brooking no further argument. She refused to even read the letter of invitation sent by my family or the letter Isa's father wrote her as pastor in which he stated that he was dependent on her help in the new church he would be pastoring. Although not official, Isa also explained the job offer she had to work with the company with which she interned. Nothing moved her.

     So it was with extremely sad hearts we made our way back that long trip home.

     And here we are. We still don't completely understand why Isa will not be coming back with me, but we know that God works even through cranky, brusque employees. For some reason, the timing wasn't right. Although I still wish the situation were different, I'm trusting God that He has a good plan after all and that at some point everything will fall into place so she can come. Isa will try again for the document when she can. Month or year, I'm looking forward to her stay with us (but I hope it's sooner rather than later!).

Snippets

     I know I haven't written in a little bit, so I thought I would include a few small happenings from last weekend.

     Last Friday, we enjoyed such wonderful weather. It felt like summer. Ahhhhh...

     Almost every day, Isa's neice, Barbara, comes to spend the afternoon here after school. Usually another aunt takes her home in the evening. This time, we decided to do it. We picked up Barbara, who was visiting a cousin close by, and walked to the home of the aunt who was taking care of her baby sister.

     At the start of our trek, we stopped to buy ice cream. Delicious, especially on a warmer day like that. The time of day, companionship, and length of the walk made it one of those ideal times that come rarely and are savored when they do. Vicky, their aunt, met us a little outside the house. Year-old Christina is now walking and it was absolutely *priceless* to see her toddle towards her older sister with the hugest smile on her face. It's precious to see the love these two sisters have for each other so young. I wish I could have captured it on film.

     We brought the two girls safely home and picked up a few  movies to watch (Pride and Prejudice and the Princess and the Frog plus one other I don't recall), then went shopping for a party.

     Yes.

     Another party.

    We have to keep up the tradition, right? Although, this day was a Friday instead of Saturday.

     That night, we celebrated the birthday of a youth who is part of the drama team, although not the church (I believe he attends elsewhere). We ate tasty mini-pizzas on pancito and, of course, cake. Afterwards, we played character guessing games. The biblical round was easy, but I failed miserably when it came to TV shows and pop stars. Go figure.  

 

      On Saturday, Isa's grandmother left. She had been visiting for almost two weeks. A woman of amazingly strong faith who has seen many healings and been used by God in healing ministry, she was a blessing to have with us. I know I was ministered to and challenged to truly trust God and believe Him to work miracles.

Mami Teresa

     The last bit of news I want to include is a praise report. Isa finally finished her "internship" part of becoming a translator. The huge chemistry manual has been translated. The woman supervising her work is so pleased with the quality that she wants her to work with the company and has even given her another work to translate for payment along with the lady's daughter, one of Isa's classmates. What an opportunity!

Surprise!

Oh...my....goodness!

  

    Life has been full to the brim of surprises lately. I've been meaning to write this post since Sunday, but, well, we've been busy and it turns out to be a good thing that I waited as you shall soon see.

     Saturday evening, after Isa demonstrated to the youth group a sermon from first-person perspective, using Rebecca as an example, we were to go to watch a movie at Karla's house. Karla is Isa's niece and a member of the youth group.

    When we arrived, the lights were all off and as we walked in, I heard shouts of "Sorpreeeeesa!" Everybody burst into song as the lights were turned on and I saw the youth there all dressed up in costumes from different parts of Chile. They had all plotted together to host a surprise birthday party for me. I gulped down an empanadita between snapping photos with my friends.

 

     Soon I was helped into a "traje de waso" of my own for we were to spend the night dancing cueca, Chile's national dance.

Think I would pass inspection?

      Before we began the dancing, the first round of anticucho (shishkabobs) was brought out. In the midst of eating, Isa presented me with a Chilean flag signed by everyone and a letter from my family. Everyone responded with chants of "que llores, que llores!" which means, "cry, cry!" Although it sounds a little funny here, it makes complete sense there.   

 

All dressed up in Waseros

      We danced so much that night! Not only the cueca, but also the tras trasera, guarachi, waltz chilote, and the chiloe. Oh my! 

     I have to thank my friend and sister, Isa, for all her planning and plotting. I can't think of any better way to celebrate than the wonderful surprise they gave me.  

The Instigator/Accomplice

      Pastor and Pastora came at the end and spent some time with us before we headed home. I treasure this photo.

 

             My Chilean family

      I thought the surprises were finished...then one of the ladies from the church arrived on Tuesday with her family to watch a soccer game and came with a gift for me. How God blesses you with desires through people who could have absolutely no idea what you need or want! She gave me a gorgeous woven satchel in jewel tones (I had so wanted to buy a purse but reasoned myself out of it for the sake of space in my lugguge. This is small and flat and will take up no room at all), fluffy, warm socks, and a much-needed black undershirt that matches my solo thermal leggings. 

     This morning, while I was booting up my computer to practice my sermon in first person playing the character of Abigail... 

 

A package of fun!

      Isa and her dad walked in carrying a rosy package of joy from my family. I sat, teary-eyed, reading the beautiful cards, opening an 8 gb camara card and the hugest, thickest chunk of dark German chocolate with almonds I had ever seen!  (We've already dug into it!) There was also a gift for the Diaz family of measuring cups and spoons that had two types of measurement to make it easier to convert food quantities. 

     Wow! True to Harvest traditions, I have had a "birth-week". Each gift, in its various forms, has fulfilled a need or wish...in most cases unknown and unexpressed. Especially this last one. Most days, I am content to be here and have such grace to be away from home. But I missed my family this morning and I have missed not being able to celebrate with them, to not have something tangeable from them on my birthday. This last birthday desire was granted. I am one blessed woman!

Hi-ho, hi-ho, a la Feria We Go!

      In my second post on the same day, I wanted to share with you a market experience. For the first time, all three of us ladies went together-and Bodoque. He behaved very well. A bag of food is a great help.

     The feria was less crowded than usual which was a blessing. Everywhere we went people commented on our puppy...how beautiful he was.

     I had the weird experience of being spoken to by not just one, but two men as if they knew me. One greeted me in passing and then again a second time. Unsure of what to do, I concentrated on the store in front of us. In my direction he asked, "como estas", but I wasn't sure to whom he was talking. When I left, he wished me a good day. A second guy greeted me and this time I couldn't escape without shaking hands. Ack! Though it's not entirely unusual to be greeted or whistled at by strangers, twice in one trip was strange. Isa says, "you have to come to Chile to know how beautiful you are." To some extent this is true! Girls from the Lee trip even comment on how they've felt more beautiful after being here because of the notice they recieve.

     On the way home, almost every dog we encountered set off barking at us because of Bodo. One dog went crazy, spinning in circles. I just had to share the clip I shot with all of you.

      Back at home, I fulfilled a desire of mine. You may think it strange, but for a year or more I have wanted to know how figs taste. Isa noted them in the market and her mom bought a small bag for me. After washing my hands, I settled down to enjoy them. They are good...a little less flavorful than in Fig Newton cookies, though. Pastor showed me how to tuck walnut pieces inside to eat them more Chilean style.

Figs and Nuts

 

A History Lesson

     Lingering over breakfast last Saturday, somehow conversation turned to the earthquake Chile experienced last February. Mama Isabel and I conversed at length about the topic and I came away from the chat amazed at God's goodness in the whole event. Because they experienced the quake personally and live in country, my Chilean family has a unique perspective that I never heard in the reports I read.

     Chile is over three faults: the Pacific, the Neaza, and the Continental. The eathquake's epicenter was in Conception, some 200 miles from Santiago. There, the ground rose in places and sunk in others. Thanks to God, at least here in Santiago, there was not too much damage and in most cases it was confined to unfortified, older buildings. The Diaz family only had two glass vases broken, paint cracks in the walls, and some pieces fall from the ceiling in one room as a result of a wall moving slightly. The church is in much worse condition since it was an older building. It is undergoing much renovation.

     In the first news articles I read the death count was only about 200 or so. I was later told it was more, but I never found an exact count. Mama Isabel confirmed the first accounts I read: that no more than 300 people died. Though each death is a great loss, this is a low number for an earthquake. Interestingly, the majority of deaths were tourists who stayed closer to the sea instead of seeking refuge in the hills. They ignored warnings of a tsunami which did come counter to news reports. The waves weren't high, but they were powerful.

     It was a miracle that more people didn't die. For instance, if the earthquake had occured just one month earlier, in January, there would have been more tourists and more people by the sea. (Remember, winter in the states is summer in Chile.) More people would have been affected by the tsunami. Also, during the time of the earthquake, there was a festival in Vina del Mar. Vina is about an hour and a half away from Santiago. Normally, people stay at the festival until very, verrrry late. Morning late. The day of the earthquake, they finished before or around 3:00 a.m. The earthquake happened about 3:30.

      Mama Isabel told me the earthquake served as a wake-up call to the church because of its indifference. God had great mercy throughout everything. Chile has tremors every day. Earthquakes are not atypical. In fact, in the south of the country, they are expecting one. The timing of this last one amazes me and the way God worked so that many people were protected. To top it all, Chile is enjoying the best economy they've had in years...despite the earthquake.