Quillota, Chile

Finally, it's Saturday. After returning from an incredible spring break trip to New York City with InterVarsity, this past week of classes was rough. School seems like the most irrelevant thing in my life right now - thank goodness there are only a few more weeks in this semester! But God has been providing joy despite my bad attitude, haha :)

I wanted to share a little more about what I will be doing when I get to Chile in June! Just this past weekend, I was in Philadelphia for WHM's Intern Training Weekend, where interns that will be traveling all over the world this summer received some cross-cultural training and support raising help, as well as an opportunity to get to know their fellow teammates! 

Here's my lovely teammate, Meredith! I really enjoyed meeting her last weekend and I am so looking forward to getting to know her better as we serve together in Chile!

My intern team has the incredible privilege of being the first WHM team EVER to be placed in South America! I am SO excited to be part of this completely new experience - I have absolutely NO idea what to expect and it's likely that plans will change, but I've learned over the past few years that I love unpredictability. It forces me to let go of expectations and release burdens and just be still before Christ. Of course, living in the midst of uncertain circumstances is incredibly frustrating and unsettling, but I've seen so clearly through times of change that God is my only true constant, the one thing that remains. 

My favorite artist Brooke Fraser posted this quote a while ago on her Facebook page, and it so accurately describes what I've learned this semester.

"So much external transience means interior stability is that much more important."

Truth. So, even though this summer might look very different from what we're planning, this is what I know so far! I will be working with kids in the community at an English camp, and hopefully serving in a worship and music ministry as well. Something I love about World Harvest Mission is the emphasis they put on discipleship and deepening relationships with others while growing closer to Christ. I’m excited to learn more about what discipleship looks like in a cross-cultural setting by using discipleship curriculum in Spanish and being immersed in Chilean culture!

During the two months we’re there, we will also have the opportunity to explore the country! The Andes mountain range is the second largest in the world, and I can’t wait to see it in person! It sounds like hiking and/or rock climbing will be possibilities, and since I am a mountain person that’s something I am definitely looking forward to! Maybe this is enough of a reason for me to get a better camera... :)

I've been able to skype with the missionaries that are living in Quillota, and they have been so encouraging! It's wonderful to know that they are praying for us as we raise support and prepare spiritually for the summer.

Thank you SO MUCH to those who have been praying for me and who have already donated!! I’m praying that God blesses you as you partner with me in His plan. I’ve already witnessed His incredible faithfulness and provision, and I’m sure it’s just the beginning!