Chile

We’re in Chile now, after coming across the Andes to the small lake town of Puerto Varas (south of Osorno) and then taking an overnight bus up to Santiago. Charlie found an apartment for us with two bedrooms, so we can stay comfortably, albeit closely-knit, and begin another chapter of volunteer work. We have met with the directors of VE Global (http://www.voluntariosesperanza.org/joomla/) and they are willing to work us into their organization for the next few weeks. Normally, young adult volunteers who come to work with VE make a commitment of no less than six months, which is understandable when thinking about consistency in the lives of orphans or at-risk children. Our family will be helping out at an elementary school through a variety of workshops – everything from teaching games to cooking classes to songs. Next week we anticipate a couple days of orientation with VE Global before getting started with the actual work opportunity.

As we’ve seen time and time again, a mere acquaintance has helped get us connected beyond anything we could have asked for. A former Merrill Lynch colleague of Charlie’s has introduced us to not only the staff of VE Global, but to another Chilean friend who instituted some of the first pro-bono legal services in Chile. After only meeting him for lunch, he graciously handed over the keys to his beach house near Zapallar, two hours north of Santiago.

Slightly more than two months remain of our time abroad. Now we see it flying by, but each of us has a bit of homesickness, as well. Jane, Chase & Mary continue to get along really well, unless Jane is annoyed by Chase, who is annoyed with Mary, who is frustrated by Chase (but he lives between two girls, so he has an excuse). All of us continue to think that Charlie spends too much time on the computer, nobody appreciates my bouts of grumpiness, Mary still won’t pick up a book to read and sharing bathrooms may be the bain (sic) of our entire existence. We do, however, spend a lot of time recounting the things we’ve learned along the way and rejoicing in the friendships that God has given us with people all over the world. We have bets on who will be the first to land on our doorstep for a California adventure.

Yesterday was Jane’s 18th birthday. Our best attempt at a major celebration included streamers, balloons, pointy party hats, and dancing around to ABBA songs at full volume. Gifts this year come in the form of “vale por” certificates. “This coupon is good for (vale por) _________." Those gifts travel well – lightweight and don’t take up room in your suitcase. Jane is two inches taller than I am now and Chase is one, but he’s still growing! His voice is a little crackly and my guess is that he’ll shave within the year, but don’t tell him I told you.