Thursday, January 10, 2008 Reflections on Chile
First, I want to thank all of you who read my blog. Many of you spent hours reading and since coming home, it has been wonderful hearing that you enjoyed my adventures. Oh I wish you could have been there to share them with me. A million thanks for spending your precious time reading and for all your love and support while I was away. I often felt homesick, but I never felt lonely because I knew I had amazing family and friends back home waiting to welcome me into their arms. I know at times my blog was tedious, but I am not apologizing. I'm so glad I journaled such details because I now have those memories forever.
I have meant to sit down and do a nice little reflection on my experiences in Chile, but I’ve realized that trying to shove five months of priceless moments, intense emotion (of every kind), and life changing experiences is not only impossible, but almost belittling. I've noticed that when people ask, "How was Chile?” I generally simply respond, "amazing". What else can I say? At times I hated it, at times I loved it. I felt some of my lowest lows and some of my highest highs. I'm not fluent in Spanish, at least by my standards. But apparently I fake it pretty well because the few times I’ve spoke, everyone is impressed.
I definitely miss Olga and my other friends and at many times I find myself wishing they were around so I could speak Spanglish, laugh at our inside jokes, and be just generally inappropriate. But I’m also glad to be back in a community that understands my faith system and encourages me to live out the faith I’ve professed.
Overall, I take home from Chile the general understanding that I have no idea who I am or what I want. At first that was scary, but I’m slowly becoming accustomed to the idea that I really must depend fully on God, who ultimately will provide. I don't know how or when or where, but all I have to do is keep loving and growing in Him and everything will be fine. Just like my revelation on top of Machu Picchu, "I'm going to be just fine."
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4 comments:
Beautiful blog, just beautiful! You should win a prize. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experiences with us. May this time in Chile remain in your heart forever.
So much love, Mommer
Hi, Sweetie. So glad to have you home. Your blog is nothing short of fabulous. We never got tired of reading it, even the smallest detail of your everyday life. It's too bad you left Chile with a record. All the late night (early A.M.) cop encounters, long nights locked in solitary bombed out of your skull. That's my girl! Seriously, we are so pleased you had such an enriching adventure and made a new family for yourself in a distant world. By the way, don't be writing any more emotional goodbye stories. You know I was a mess after the the tales of those last few days with Olga and your friends. Love you so much, Poppa.
It was so good to see you on Christmas. I think most people don't know who they are or what they want, whether they are 20,40 or 60. Have a great semester at Tulane.
Bev
Glad to hear you're home safe and sound. I must admit that I haven't been able to keep up with your blog as much as I wanted to, but enjoyed reading what I did! I hope to go back through it when I have a few moments...Take care, Carla (Michael & Natalie, too!)
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