Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns."

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.