Chau Chile!

*Ok, I started writing this on July 27th, and am just now finishing it... Sorry about the lateness! Things have been pretty busy since I've been back in the states! I hope you enjoy my final happenings from Chile!*

As I write this I am sitting in the airport waiting for my flight. I don't know how I did it.. but I managed to fit all of my stuff in 2 big suitcases and 2 carry-ons. Saying good-bye was really hard... but being that Chile is so much a part of my life now, I have a feeling I'll see everyone again. These last few weeks in Chile have been crazy and busy! I figured in this post I would just hit some highlights of my last few weeks in Chile... because if I don't do it all at once, I'm so behind that I don't think I would ever catch up!! :) So, here goes... Enjoy! I'll try to write more on my thoughts and feelings about leaving later!



Before I left Chile, I really wanted to see the second largest city in Chile, Concepcion. Unfortunately, I picked the exact wrong day to visit. I went with Lindsey and my friend Ingrid, and we ended up being stuck in a flood! We actually ended up spending the night in our car on high ground. We were very lucky that we didn't get caught in the water. And I will definitley never forget Concepcion, Chile!! For more on the floods of Concepcion, click
here.




One of the sweetest things that has ever been done for me was the surprise "Unbirthday" party some of my friends threw for me! I was in the states this year for my birthday, and so I never got to celebrate with my friends from Chile. So, my chileans friends threw me a birthday party in July and we celebrated my 26th and 27th birthdays (because I won't be in Chile for my next birthday either). It was such a sweet thing to do and I will never forget it!!




Christmas in July!
I'm happy to say we celebrated Christmas in July yet again in Chile! A great time was had by all. We ate turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and even gravy! Yum! The stuffing was a big hit, as most of the Chileans had never tried it! We had over 30 people in attendance. We ate, decorated Christmas cookies, and played "White Elephant" gift exchange. A great time was had by all.. and, as it was finals time for a lot of our college students, it was a much needed break!





My last Sunday in Santiago, the church had a going-away party for Lindsey and me (Lindsey left a week after I did). After church, we all had lunch together and anyone who wanted to was given the opportunity to say their special good-byes to Lindsey and me. Also, Lindsey and I each were able to talk in front of everyone and say our good-byes and thank-you's. The highlight of the afternoon was a slideshow put together by two of my good friends, Rodrigo and Cristian Rebolledo, which highlighted special memories Lindsey and I had made in Santiago. It was a great lunch, and I am so grateful to the Providencia Congregation for making me feel so special and loved! And it also provided Lindsey and me one last opportunity to get some of our contacts to come to church! :) The event turned into a beautiful memory for me.. and I will never forget it!