Christmas with Luz de Cristo

Luz de Cristo is a home for abused children. The Iglesia de Cristo en Los Leones has been involved with this home for the past several years. This year, I was asked to help plan a Christmas even with the kids from Luz de Cristo. We invited the kids to come to church services and then afterwards we had a feast of pizza, empanadas, and cake! At the end of the day the church gathered around to watch the kids from Luz de Cristo open Christmas presents! We had received a "wish list" from each child and, with the donations of the church, were able to get each child something that they really wanted. It was a great day together with the kids from Luz de Cristo. We're hoping to be involved in their lives even more in the future. Another great aspect of our Christmas party was that it gave many people the opportunity to serve. The pizza and cake that we ate for lunch were homeade by Roberto and Carito, a couple who have been attending our church, but are not yet Christians. This was a great event, allowing the church to work together, and showing us the REAL spirit of Christmas!


The Christmas tree with presents for the children!


Some of the church members who stayed to celebrate Christmas with the kids from Luz de Cristo.


Some of the kiddos showing off their gifts!

The Reason Why I Have NO Thanksgiving Pictures...

One of our University Students, Rodrigo Rebolledo, officially graduated from his University! Being that it was a special occasion, I let him borrow my camara to take pictures of his graduation, and therefore didn't have it on Thanksgiving. In this picture he's wearing an aggie ring, as every graduate should! Congratulations Rodrigo!

Thanksgiving was a great time here in Santiago. The Grant family (of the mission team) opened their home to any "gringo" that wanted to come. So, we had a huge crowd! About 25 adults and 12 children! But it was a great time full of the usual Thanksgiving foods! We all had lunch together and then spent the rest of the day watching football and playing games. It was like a normal Thanksgiving in the United States. I am so thankful to this mission team. They have become my support system here in Chile. Although I couldn't be with my family in the states, it was great to spend a holiday with my gringo family in Santiago!

Quotable Quotes

I thought I might share with you all a few quotes from 3 of us interns at the Iglesia de Cristo. It might give you a little insight to my life here in South America. Enjoy!!

Lauren: "I just head-butted the Argentinian a little bit." After saying good-bye to some of our friends.

Lindsey: "Aw, man! Did they get robbed AGAIN?" Lindsey, as we were walking up to a convenience store that we frequent.

While in Lima, Peru:
Jenni: I'm feeling itchy all over.
Lindsey: Well, did you eat or drink anything out of the ordinary?
Jenni: The water?