Frolicking through the ends of the World!

March 17, 2014

Dear Family and Friends.

Okay family. I am taking you with me-- metaphorically speaking, to the ends of the world. We had to go on exchanges in Coyhaique, in the southern reaches of the mission that are only accessible through boat, plane or Argentina. Hermana Rivas and I traveled all day Tuesday (five hours of busses and one hour on the plane) and landed in the middle of...literally...nowhere. We took an hour of a bus through the twisting road that led to a city that reminded me SO much of a Chilean Provo, with the craggy mountains snuggled up on the side of the nestled, autumn hewed city. We did exchanges there in Coyhaique, and then took a four hour bus that left us in Puerto Cisnes (it means swan port), a little tiny town that is filled with mysteries and people that have been hardened by the constant rain and a difficult life. It is hemmed in by rugged, vibrant green mountains and low hanging misty clouds, and a sea channel, that brings all of the men of Puerto Cisnes to work, fishing, for week long shifts.

And as I looked in the eyes of this people, I marveled. God cares enough to send us here.

The miracle is that in every single sector (principally with Coyhaique and Puerto Cisnes) we said a prayer in the middle of the street--because with the two all of our plans had fallen through and we had a good almost of time without plans--and so we prayed to find someone to teach. Both times, within five minutes we were invited inside and were teaching people. But not just anyone--we were teaching leaders. With Hermana Navarro, we were drinking hot chocolate and teaching an older, very educated, very successful woman, who didn’t believe in God and whose husband had recently passed away. With Hermana Howell, we taught a whole family that owns a bed and breakfast there in Puerto Cisnes, the woman AND her husband AND their two children, and were able to say a kneeling prayer all together as a family at the end (the father, Javier, didn’t want to say it because he isn’t sure that he believes in God, and he felt like it wouldn’t be sincere.)

YIKES I AM ALREADY OUT OF TIME

Keep tuned!!! Next week Ill tell you more!!!