Over and Out

I've been back in NZ for just over a week now and am finally over the jet-lag. Saying goodbye to my host family was extremely hard and I hope that we will see each other again. Pedro was very insistent that I stay or take him with me and Sammi was so angry about me leaving that he wouldn't say goodbye! The flight was long and boring but survivable and I was very happy to see my family at Dunedin airport.

Being home has actually been a bit odd and I keep looking around for a 2 year old or expecting to hear the street dogs barking. It is definitely a strange experience to have culture shock in your own country. In some ways Chile is starting to feel like a dream but I know that those memories will stay with me forever. I have also had some time to reflect and my overall feeling is positive. Yes, it was challenging and at times very stressful but I am really glad I went and stuck it out. I have grown so much as a person and feel blessed to have seen another part of God's world. It's awesome to see Him working somewhere different and helps me to see that we are part of a global church. I miss my kids from kindergarten and will continue to pray for their futures - the way forward for them is not easy.

Now I have about 5 weeks to get myself ready for the next adventure! Right now Germany doesn't seem appealing but I'm sure I will be ready when the time comes. I would like to thank you all for reading these blogs, for sending emails, praying for me and supporting me financially. I could not have done the last 6 months without you. God bless you all!

Final Adventures

Valparaiso port

It is hard to believe that my last day has actually arrived. My stomach certainly knows so I am trying to stay busy! I had a very good last week with lots of shopping, catching up with people and relaxing. On Saturday we drove out to the coast and the beautiful cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. It was about an hour and a half in the car and it was amazing to see the sea after 6 months! We drove up to a lookout point and let the boys out to run around for a bit. One of the attractions in Valparaíso are the houses. There is a section of the city where the houses are all brightly painted, very cool. The sad thing is that this is also one of the poorer areas of the city and they are all crammed together and perched on cliffs and in general disrepair. Certainly interesting to drive around. In the afternoon we continued up the coast to Viña which was full of high-rise apartments and also where you find the beach! One of the really cool things was the pelicans; hilarious looking birds and they make a terrible noise but awesome to see them not in a zoo. All in all a great day with the family.

with Pedro at the Naval Memorial

Waving hello to NZ

Armada of Chile

Pelican!!

On Sunday I played flute in church with the music group. Absolutely no written music in sight which was petrifying for me but I ended up having a lot of fun. It was definitely sad to say goodbye to people at church but I'm looking forward to seeing my own church family soon!

with Pati and Carolina

Last night we had a goodbye party for me with about 25 people that I've become close to. We bbqed HEAPS of meat and I made pavlova and everyone danced until 1:30am and we had a super good time. There was also a time for people to share stories about me and also for me to thank everyone for their support and friendship over the last 6 months. They also prayed for me which was really special.





Now, I have the final packing to do and final goodbye to my wonderful Chilean family before getting on the plane home. While I'm excited to see my family and friends I'm also sad to be leaving the people here. It hasn't been an easy 6 months but it has been a good experience and I am really glad that I came.

School's Out!!

Having fun with Pre-Kinder

English class "up" with Kinder

Yesterday was my last day at Un Rincón de Alegría and part of me is super sad and the other part feels like I need a T-shirt that says "I survived Renca". I had my last evaluation of English on Tuesday and only had a couple of kids who have learnt nothing. I feel that if one child learnt one word then I fulfilled my job and it was definitely better than that! On Wednesday we had a goodbye lunch for me which was really awesome. As a special treat they roasted pork for me and made sure I got the best part i.e. fattiest part. They are still of the opinion that I am way too thin, I even got the nick-name "skinny" though in the endearing way that only Chileans can manage. The kids then sang me two songs, one in

English class with Pre-Kinder

English, and gave me a card with their thumbprints inside. I also received the school polar-fleece and hat which was very cool. Thursday was hard saying goodbye to all the kids especially since it's 'flu season and many were missing. I feel really blessed to have been part of their lives and am touched by the love they show to me. I hope that they also felt the love I feel for them.

Group hug!!!!

Now I have a week to deal with a nervous and excited stomach and to go shopping! Nah, I'm hopefully going to get a day in the mountains and a trip out to the coast as well. It certainly feels like home time is running towards me at an ever-increasing pace and I can't believe it's actually been 5 and half months since I arrived!