Even though I’m nearly 10 months into my grand adventure, there are still so many new things and firsts that I’m still experiencing on a regular basis. Yesterday I had two of said firsts.

My first first (hehe) was volunteering at a local homeless shelter. It was a wonderful experience and something that I’d very much missed from my Houston life. I hope to go back more often. Seriously (for Houston-CSM people who may be reading) it was Open Door Mission: Santiago Style. It was so wonderfully familiar!

My second first was attending a SuperBowl party. Of course I’ve attended plenty of those  in the past, although admittedly only for snacks, friends and funny commercials, but this was my first gathering in Chile to watch futbol americano. They actually DO broadcast the game on a sports network here (all the commentary in Spanish, which was kind of funny) so the scene was nearly the same with friends and plenty of bean dip. The commercials, though, were unfortunately just regular old Chilean commercials.

Hmph. Too bad.

I still had a nice time, though, and by the end I actually knew which two teams were competing. Progress!

Just when I thought these summer days were getting a wee bit monotonous, a new project emerged — Cookie College.

As I’ve mentioned in an earlier post, my home baking has proved to be quite a hit here in the land of store-bought goods. Recently, I was asked by a friend if I would consider teaching her the fine art of cookie making. I said yes, of course, and the idea began to develop. She mentioned that there were more who wanted to learn, and so when a night was decided upon, I sent out a quick message to a handful of people expecting to get a couple of bites.

Yeah, I got a couple.

What I ended up with on Thursday night was a group of 10 people ecstatic about making cookies! We donned my apron collection (how wonderful to have a use for all those lovely things) and got to work. I did most of the work on the first batch, carefully describing each step: creaming the butter and sugar first, then adding eggs and vanilla, then dry ingredients gradually, etc. We talked about oven temperature, we talked about how to know they’re done, we talked about not over-baking (unless you like black-on-bottom crunchy disks) and we had a fun time doing it. The second batch was all students with no help from me (well, perhaps I offered a tiny bit of input). All in all, it was a tasty night and a good time was had by all! I sent everyone home with ziploc baggies full of treats and I’ve already  prepared the theme for our next class: Banana Muffins.

*cue dramatic music*

I’ll leave you with a few shots from Cookie College so that you can a) catch a glimpse of the baking in action and b) catch a glimpse of my somewhat still new apartment… well, at least the kitchen (sorry, I’ve been bad about posting photos).

a few of the chefs before class

list of ingredients

everyone watches with bated breath as I use the mixer

I don't know why we're taking another picture!

supervising my scholars

this guy was a good sport (notice the Valentine apron)

hot cookies!

It’s hot.

The temperatures are up here in Santiago. Just the 15 minute walk to the metro station is enough to have me sweating up a storm (sorry, students, that your teacher is so stinky). No air conditioning in the apartment and walking/public transportation have made for some warm days. All I want to do is sit inside with the windows open and not move at all. And sometimes I do just that. At times I feel like a character in an old movie (think: Gone With the Wind) sitting on the porch in the pre-air conditioned days fanning themselves and trying to catch a breeze.

Fortunately for us all, this is not the end of the story.

The salvation in this inferno comes at about 9 p.m. Suddenly, just as quick as it came, the heat goes and we’re left with a pleasantly cool evening perfect for porch sitting and deep breathing. All the sweaty memories of the day are washed away in the dusky glow. Yes, I love the evening times - they make the day times bearable.

And so I become acquainted with yet another season in Chile. New year, new challenges, new beauty, and new hope. If I may take some journalistic liberties to quote the familiar Lamentations passage:  His mercies are new every evening, great is thy faithfulness…

And so the day has come - my first summer birthday, my first time to send out a birthday party invite in Spanish… yes, my first birthday in Chile. I’m gathering tonight to eat tacos with friends and hopefully enjoy some delectable red velvet cupcakes (they’re in the oven right now - pray for success).

It’s weird being away for the big day. There are so many people who I’ll miss spending this day with, yet I’m also looking forward to spending it with people who are special to me here. It’s a catch 22, I suppose (that is what a catch 22 is, isn’t it?!) and just another piece of the living abroad puzzle.

While I’m figuring out all those deep life questions, I’m going to enjoy the breeze blowing in through my open windows, the BEAUTIFUL flowers that arrived from my two amazing roommates (Robyn & Sarah), and taste test a cupcake… or two…

Cheers to 28 wonderful years!

I feel as though I should be posting something thought-provoking and deep about the situation in Haiti, about my upcoming 28th year of life, about the presidential elections in Chile (new prez was elected today), or some interesting tidbit about life abroad, a funny cultural quirk or other such stuff.

Instead of any of that, I will tell you a little story.

Because it was election day, the supermarkets and most other restaurants and shopping establishments were closed. As I wandered out of church with a few buddies (our tummies rumbling), we happened upon the only place showing signs of life — Burger King. Let me just say that I can’t even remember the last time I ate anything from BK. I certainly wasn’t a frequent visitor in the states and have never been there in Chile, but alas, desperate times… well, you know the rest…

Anyhow.

We were waiting in line to order our burgers and fries when I heard voices behind me saying words that sounded vaguely familiar, yet  out of context. What were these funny sounding noises coming out of the mouths of these tired and slightly confused looking people? What was that? Oh! It was English! Yes, they were speaking English. And they were all in their 50’s (at least) and if I were a betting person I’d put a thousand on tourists. Yes, they had the look. What look? you ask. The look, I answer. Those fishies were definitely out of water.

So I found myself tossing around the options in my brain. I could just look the other way, continuing to speak Spanish with my friends and snicker to myself about the funny tourists. Or I could do what I did — I turned to the guy behind me (who looked to be the leader of the pack) and said, “So, you all from out of town?” He looked at me for a moment, registering in his brain that I had 1) spoken English to him and 2) made a sort-of joke. He snapped out of it eventually and said yes, and that they were from New Jersey. This started a bit of small talking — they were retirees who had spent several days at the beach about an hour and a half west of Santiago, they were heading to Easter Island this week and then would be back in Santiago for the weekend. They asked me where the nearest supermarket was and by that time it was my turn to order and I politely said that it was nice to have met them and I hoped that they had a lovely trip.

I sat down to enjoy a leisurely lunch with my companions and had nearly forgotten about my fanny pack-wearing friends until I saw one of the husbands and his wife approaching my table. Excuse me, Miss, but could we ask you another question? Do you know the best way for us to get to the airport? This led into a very long conversation as I quickly learned that these folks knew very little about where they were or how to get around.  I wrote a bunch of notes for them and gave several tips. They were very grateful and eventually were joined by the other couple. One of the women, who was quite outspoken, had an idea: Do you give tours?? Could we just pay you to go around with us?? We would really like you to go with us. How much do you charge?? Ummm, huh? Do I give… huh? You want to pay me to… You want to PAY me to go with…? Ummm… ok? Ok. Ok!

So I have a gig this Saturday.  I didn’t know how much to tell them to pay me, so I just said that any amount they wanted to give I would consider a gift, but I had no expectations.

How funny my day at the BK! …and my avocado cheeseburger wasn’t half bad, either.

I’m back! After a whirlwind three weeks and a rather sleepless but uneventful flight, I’m back in Chile in my very own little nest.  Although I did very little venturing out yesterday, today will change that! My old Houston buddy, Kris, is here in Santiago as part of her around-the-world-travels, and so we’ll set out today as a pair of tourists catching some of the local must-see spots.

I would be amiss, though, if I didn’t take a moment to say thanks to all of you lovelies who hosted me throughout my own little journey. I loved the conversations, I loved being in your homes, I loved drinking coffee at Empire and holding your new babies and laughing with you. Honestly, the trip was more than I could have ever asked for. It was refreshing and energizing, relaxing and easy, and fun. SO FUN! Thanks is not enough, but it’ll have to do. Can’t wait to see several of you in South America this year!!

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:2-7

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,”Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:1-20

Hope. Peace. Joy. Love. Christ.

Welcome to the Messiah. Emmanuel, God with us.

Jesus is born!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt… Jeremiah 31:3-4

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:7-21

His love is completed when we love. What a thought… what a challenge. I suppose it’s a good thing that real love doesn’t depend on or come from me. Real love comes from God. And real love came to live among us so that we could learn how to do it. As I just finished a fantastic 5 days in Houston, I’m reminded in a tiny (but oh-so-significant) way of the awesome privilege we have of being love to others. My cup is overflowing with pancakes and old friends and hugs and deep conversations and snuggly babies and hot cups of coffee and … so much more. It’s difficult to think of a time in my life when I felt more loved - straight from the Father’s heart to your hands to me.

As we celebrate this week the ultimate gift of love, let’s look for ways to be love to others.

As I sit here in the Santiago airport, I can hardly believe that seven and a half months have already passed. I feel like I’ve reached some type of glorious milestone. I did it! I really did it! Now I get to rest a little. And eat a lot.

(would you allow me to dream for just a moment?)

Mexican food

Texas BBQ

Home cooking of all kinds

Pumpkin Spice Lattes

A myriad of desserts (we’re looking at a general chocolate theme)

Breakfasts including pancakes and eggs and bacon and biscuits and potatoes and fresh coffee with cream ….

Thai food

Greek/Mediterranean (hummus, shawarma, the list goes on…)

Chipotle/Freebirds/Mission Burrito

But now for my final challenge, I have to endure a night of restless airplane sleep and airplane food. I’ve come this far, though… I can do it!

…’This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep. ‘ For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the law. Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice good and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength’…and their joy was very great. Nehemiah 8:9b-10, 17b

Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.’ Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man’s behalf! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot - come, let us rejoice in him. He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations - let not the rebellious rise up against him. Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.’ Psalm 66:1-12

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance… James 1:2-3

The more I read about joy, the more I notice that it’s often coupled in passages with mourning, grief, pain or hardship. Perhaps its because when we experience pain, we’re able to know the sweetness of real joy all the more. What pressure it would be to be happy all the time; yet to know in our depths what God has done and what he has promised is enough to keep us content at the core in the midst of a changing world. In fact, more than content but actually with reason to rejoice; to celebrate! And in all of it, somehow this joy is tied to strength and strength to joy. How cool is that? Very.

Thoughts on JOY?

PS: I head to the states tomorrow!!!