It´s been a while...

   Wow...I realized it has been a while since I have taken the time to update you all on what is going on here in Santiago, Chile.  So here is the update.  Hold on tight...cause it won't take long.

FUN ACTIVITIES....
    During the past week I have had a bit of time to draw, once again.  It has been fun to do so, and way over due.  I am hoping to finish the project this weekend.  We will see.

     Today (Tuesday 17) the kids started a two week long swim class at a nearby country club. Thursday and Friday I will be taking them and bringing them home....our transportation will be public...most likely bus.  So, that will be an adventure.  The reason being mis tíos are going to be headed out of the country for a few days to give a marriage seminar in Paraguay.  And therefore the kids and I are staying home to hold down the fort.  Thankfully my Uncle´s sister, who also lives here in Chile, is going to come and stay with us to help out.  She will be a tremendous help I imagine...however, it will also be a big growing experience for my Spanish skills.  You see she speaks zero English, and her Spanish is harder than most to understand.  So, five days of speaking with her shall knock me up a couple of levels.  That is my desire anyway.  I may have some very heavy headaches...but all will be worth it.  Oh, and I didn´t mention that she is an awesome cook!  So, we won´t starve...I don´t think.
  
      Last Tuesday 10 evening we decided to take a paseo (trip) to a near by park.  It was relaxing and a nice diversion from the evenings at home...although this time last month we were very thankful for the evenings we could get at home!  Here are some pictures of our paseo....

CHURCH WORK...

    Friday night we held our first 'Cafe Concierto' at Casa Granda (la iglesia).  The event began at 8...there were two different groups that played music for the audience who sat and ordered their food while listening.  I was asked to be a Mesera (waitress) ...so intimidating. I didn't exactly want to do it because of possible language/understanding problems but I also didn't really have a choice.  All, went well...I only felt like pulling my hair out on a number of occasions.  But I do believe everyone got what they wanted by the end of the evening.

   Sunday was the church's third anniversary service and so we had a celebration meal with everyone.  It was a good day.  I had the opportunity to sing on the worship team...fun however the reason I did not play my violin was that I broke a string during practice on Thursday night so it wasn't functional.  Praise is that yesterday (Monday) we were able to find a music store that sold strings...and I attempted to put it on (something I have never done before)  and it appears to have worked.  That is my hope anyway.  I haven't played it a whole lot yet...so there is still time and room for something to malfunction. 

Daviana eats some ´torta´...

    Have been really struggling with some things since returning back to Chile after vacation.  The slower pace has allowed me to realize just how much I miss my family, friends, etc.  Don't get me wrong...I missed them before, just didn't have much time to realize it.  Trusting God is a no brainer but I have found that it is very tough and a daily commitment.  He is enough...and though I say this I struggle to really believe it as well at times.  Life, it is hard I have found...but so much more with Jesus behind the wheel.  Please keep me in your prayers!!  Thanks you a bunch. 

     I have also been having to remind myself that I am only a guest here...although I very much feel part of the family, I must realize that there must be a line in how much I express my opinions etc.  I have to just go with the flow, as hard as it may be at times.  Maybe that saying about company staying for more than three days begin to stink like fish...well maybe it is true...about three months anyway.  :)  We sure have made some good memories, laughed a lot, had frustrations, etc. over the past three months...it has all been good.  And I wouldn´t trade this time for anything. I have truly been blessed.

More later,  Kathlyn