I'm baaa-aaack!

Welcome to Chile! [Take Two]

After a whirlwind of graduating from college, working at summer camp, and packing...I'm here, in Chile, for a second time.  I studied abroad in Chile July 2010 - July 2011 and now I'm back in August 2012.  I didn't think I'd be back so soon...and for so long -- as I am planning to stay for 10 months.  I thank the Good Lord for this opportunity to serve, learn, and grow.

The first week here was a time of visiting with and enjoying time with my Chilean host family when I was here last, my friends from church, my boyfriend, and with my best friend from Hope College, Bekah, who also came with to visit! :)  It was so great!  We spent most of our time in Viña del Mar and Valparaíso.  We also went camping, surfing, to the church, and ate lots of Chilean food.

And now...here I am in the House of Hope (La Casa Esperanza) as an intern!  My main role I will fill will be a peer mentor to the seven ladies living here.  They are all going to college in preparation for life and as an attempt to break the cycle of poverty most of them were brought up in.  I will also be helping teach English at the local elementary school, teaching ESL classes at the church, and helping wherever I am needed.  I arrived at the House of Hope on Friday, the 10th, and so this is my first full working week here.  I'm ready and excited to get the ball rolling!  The first couple days were difficult as there are changes happening in the home that have affected the girls deeply.  The house mother was dismissed from her position the day I arrived.  Talk about timing.  They don't have anyone lined up so far, but will be looking for someone else to fill that position.  These girls are also in the midst of establishing their own micro-business and had a meeting the next day to discuss their progress.  They received a lot of constructive criticism from the two directors which was also difficult to accept.  It has been an emotional weekend, but I trust that the Lord's timing is always perfect.  That I know to be true.

As far as my blog posts go, I will be trying to post more often, but maybe write less.  I hope that I can stay in contact with you all through this blog.

I would love it if you could support me during this time in your prayers.  Please pray for the girls at the home as they feel they have lost their mother.  Pray that the Lord gives them strength and peace.  Pray also for my family members back home who are dealing with the loss of my Grandmother (my dad's mom) and all the arrangements that need to take place in order to receive my Grandpa in my house.

I love you all so so so so soooo much!  It was harder to come to Chile this time, knowing what it will be like being away from you all, but again, I know that this is where God wants me, for not only is He all-knowing, but He also is all-good. :)