Thoughts of Leaving

Well, today is my last day and Chile, and so far I am doing okay with it. I got a little weepy in church this past Sunday but that was to be expected. I also had a little going away party on Sunday night and continued the tears when some people left ;) I finished my classes a week ago so it was nice to have a free week to visit people and catch up on some things. Yesterday, Eduardo and I spent the day at a beautiful beach a couple hours north. I don't have my camera with me so I can't post a photo, but I think it was one of the most beautiful sights I've seen. Gorgeous water, fluffy clouds in various colors, the sounds of waves crashing on rocks, boats and cute restaurants on the coast. Oh, it was one of those dreamlike moments that I won't forget. Sadly, we spent too much time at a ferria so we just missed the sunset. It was funny because after the ferria we drove to a place to see it, ran  like the devil down this vertical path/trail with steep steps made of tree roots and blocks. We almost killed ourselves trying to get down there. Then we ran through more trees to the beach and when we arrived the sun was gone moments before! We did get a good laugh about it and just spent some time there.

Overall my experience in Chile has been nothing short of a miracle. I remember my first Sunday here walking to church thinking that when the time came I knew I really wasn't going to want to leave. That feeling has definitely come to pass. I came to learn Spanish but ended up leaving with so much more. I have learned not to be afraid. I remember coming here and initially being a little afraid of things. Now I just walk around the city by myself, talk to people, order or buy things. I'm not afraid to speak the language no matter how badly I slaughter it. I think back to when I came through customs and I was was afraid to even say, "gracias" to the guy. As I have stated in an earlier blog, I also learned that there are all types of normal life. Traveling or living abroad is one of those forms. I learned to love sushi and other types of fish (the fish in Chile is delicious). Still my favorite restaurants are Ichiban's Japanese Bistro and a couple of Peruvian restaurants. Luckily Ichiban's exists in MN. 

Well, I should go because I still have some things to do. I hope you all have enjoyed my blog as much as I have enjoyed writing it. My new favorite quote was told to me by a very wise missionary the other day, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Dr. Suess is a very wise man. See you all soon!