Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns."

Well, I've managed to survive my first few days in Chile and am already falling in love with the country! It's been fun to see all the differences and similarities and to be somewhat touristy. I'm also beginning to understand a lot more of what's being said, which is nice! Anyways, I thought I'd share a few of the things I've learned about Chile thus far that I've found to be particularly interesting.

1. Palta (avocado) and mayonesa are put on nearly everything, particularly sandwhiches and hot dogs.
2. There is an abundance of delicious ice cream - especially right now since it's still summertime. (I can see myself fitting in well here!)
3. You have to pay to use public restrooms (it's only 150-250 pesos which is about 20-50 cents)
4. You get a receipt for everything (even going to the bathroom!)
5. Américo is not a nickname of the states, but is rather is a popular singer/heart throb. Some of his big hits include "Te vas" and "Que levante la mano".
6. Chile is celebrating it's 200th anniversary this year (on september 18)
7. Smoking is very common
8. PDA is not only acceptable, but almost expected (I mean, if you love someone, why wouldn't you want to be kissing them ALL THE TIME? jaja)
9. Mullets are apparently in style - as I've seen more mullets in two days than I have in my entire life up till now...
10. You can get a beer with your combo at fast food places (including the ones in the mall)

Oh yeah, and my new favorite word is probably weá, which is a very general word for "thing" and can be used whenever you can't think of the name of an object (I think I'll use this word a lot).

Well, I've finally got some pictures posted from Santiago. I think I've managed to get a slide show going on the side here, so feel free to look at them there or I think you can see them bigger by going here: http://s865.photobucket.com/albums/ab212/aveeneman/Santiago/?albumview=slideshow

Chao.

Well, it's been a LONG time since I've blogged, but I figured I would give this a go in order to keep ya'll posted on what's happening in my life and thoughts while I'm in Chile (I leave next Tuesday and plan on returning July 23 - yeah, that's 5 months...). I'm not really sure how often I'll be posting, or what I'll be posting, I can't even guarantee it'll be interesting.... hah, but I'll do my best.

Anyways, I have a bit of time before I head to Canada to celebrate Grandma V's 90th birthday (wowzers!), and so I thought I would try to post some of my thoughts about my upcoming trip. It's somewhat hard to believe that it's finally here! I've been planning this trip basically since August and am finally close enough to count down the days until I fly out. I'm definitely ready at this point - everyone else is either gone on their study abroad, or well into their spring semester, and I'm running out of things to do at home. And all the last minute details are finally coming together - like I finally got my visa (and managed to not get lost in downtown Chicago) and I finally found out who my host family is - so that is exciting! Turns out God wanted to remind me once again of His faithfulness and I got placed with a family that I've heard about from a couple of girls who have studied in Chile previously. My mom's name is Viviana and I will have 3 brothers, who are all right around my age! I should be able to hang out with the oldest one, who actually attends the university that I will be attending. I've also been reading a lot about Chilean culture which has been really interesting. I've learned a lot and at least feel a little more prepared about what to expect. At the same time, I recognize that no amount of reading can really prepare me for what life will really be like there.

And even though I'm excited about what's to come, at times I can't get over the fact that I'm really leaving and living in another country for 5 months. That's a long time, and sometimes I feel myself getting caught up in that and worrying about it. A lot can (and probably will) change over that course of time, and I really don't have any control over what changes take place. It's reassuring though to come back to the fact that no matter where I go, God will be with me, and He will be with the ones that I love - because He's everywhere. And that's a pretty cool link to have while I'm down there - to know that the same God who is watching over me is watching over my friends and family back home (or wherever they are). Also, I've been reminded lately of just how perfect God's plan is for our lives. Yes, we are imperfect, and do our best to mess up that perfect plan, yet He is able to bring about anything and everything for our good. Nothing happens outside of God's realm of control. How reassuring! So I guess what I'm trying to say is, yes I'm nervous, but I'm also incredibly excited because I know that this trip is part of God's perfect plan for my life. He has big plans for me (and all of His followers) and I can't wait to see how this trip plays into that - how it shapes, grows, challenges and changes me to become more Christ-like. And that's what I'm most looking forward to. I mean, of course I'm excited to meet new people, and develop relationships, and travel, and speak spanish, and learn a few things. But to know that this amazing adventure in front of me is a part of God's plan - so cool!

Anyways, I hope that was a fairly logical train of thoughts. I forgot how hard it is for me to blog because I get too many thoughts going at once and I tend to have a hard time organizing them... maybe it'll get better as I go. Or I'll just spend more time planning what I want to say. Hasta luego...

Shalom.