It is incredible to watch how this country has so much pride. I remember going to the soccer game last October. The entire stadium dressed in support of its national team. They sang and sang and chanted and chanted. For those few moments during the game, the country united. The uniting force of the soccer game is ever more evident now during this difficult time for the country. "Vamos, vamos Chilenos." Just watching everyone come together is incredible especially the college students. I've been trying to spend time thinking if this is what it was like in the US after hurricane Katrina. And yes, I think the country pulled together too but just watching this country sing together and try to sing still is wonderful. I want to help too. This coming week I'm going to help with collection efforts at Catolica in Valpo.
Things are returning back to normal now. Temblores are less and less frequent (which is good because wow after they happen you feel like you have just got off a boat for a few hours :P).
The entire situation has given me a lot of time to think about the important things in life. Like where do I put my hope? Where am I headed?
Its incredible to think that within 2 weeks, I have grown that much more in my faith. I know where my trust is and where my hope is found. I know that wherever I am, I am surrounded (completely surrounded) by those who love me. This situation has made me appreciate relationships more and especially appreciate the Chilean culture- the closeness of the people. You never realize just how important a hug or a tap on the shoulder is. The people show their care for each other here. Being close and sharing everything is what it is all about.
I love my host family too. I think I love them so much more because this time we spend time together, eating, watching TV, reminding ourselves that tomorrow we are going to eat apples, and just sitting around in the living room. I feel so much closer.
My Chilean friends have done so much to make my US friends feel welcome too. I am so thankful for them. I am so thankful for my youthgroup. I'm thankful for the support, the love, the praises, the honesty, and a place to feel like I belong. And despite the little cracks in the walls of the church, Sunday we will have services there ;)
The funny thing is too, I have a lot of Chilean moms here. And they all support me. Of course, I love my real mom the most but it is nice to know that I have so many looking out for me here.
While the earthquake was scary and caused a lot of problems in the country (please donate money and PRAY!), it brought me that much closer to those around me. We really don't know when God is going to call us home, but the most important thing is that through it all the hands that are holding the world are holding our hearts. So when we leave this Earth, it may hurt those around us, but that means we were loved that much more. Leave a mark here. And remember that our highest goals cannot be achieved here on Earth. The greatest prize comes when we get to heaven. That's our goal, that's where our hope should be. The things of the Earth can be replaced.
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