Photos

I stole this image from another blog but you can see the original post here.  This poster was made by a young photographer from the Philippines and I love it! Though I'm the daughter of a professional photographer, I still struggle with remembering how to do all these things. I even took a photography class in college and somehow the information just doesn't stick too well. BUT this cheat sheet is great! I'm tempted to print it off so I can take it with me to Chile. I'm hoping to take lots of photos while I'm there to remember all the different places I will go. I just finished my photo book from my last trip on Shutterfly.  I still need to order it, but at least it's done after three years! I decided I had to finish it before I leave on this trip because I will definitely want to make another. I would recommend these projects to anyone like me that hates scrapbooking or you just don't have the money to do that. There are many choices on how you can put them together and print them, also are great gifts. Anywho, just five more days until I leave! I'm sooo excited. I'm off to be in my friend's wedding for the weekend which will also be very fun. I can't wait to see all my friends to celebrate! 

A New Journey Begins

Today was my last day at work. It was quite bittersweet. I absolutely love the people I worked with. Today I was surprised with cookies, balloons, and even a cake with a Chilean flag on it! It is such a rewarding feeling to know that people care about me like that. I can't say I will miss the job itself, but I will truly miss the people. However, I will definitely be back to visit.

As I left work today, I had an overwhelming mix of emotions. I was extremely excited because leaving means I am starting a new page in my life. But also sad to leave people I have spent a lot of time with for the past year. I am scared too, because I don't really know what the future holds after my trip to Chile. But, for right now that is what I am trying to focus on. I have been blessed to be able to travel there for a month and finally get to see Claudio. I don't think I have ever been so excited!

Although I don't know yet what I will be doing when I get back, I know that for now I have done what I can. I have applied for jobs and am waiting to hear back. I am so ready to do something new, something where I can serve others in some way. A job where I can come home and really feel like I have made some sort of difference in the world.

Through this uncertainty, there is one thing I can cling to. That is God's promise to me. Some might choose to not believe His promises, but I have faith that He will always provide for me. I do not know right now what it is He wants me to do, but that will be revealed in due time. I have to just trust Him in His timing and will in my life. I have had somewhat of a peace about this whole period in my life, until I start thinking too much. So, for now I will just wait and do what I can to be proactive. Instead of being scared and worried about the future, I will try to be excited for what God has in store for me because I feel it is something good.

Pablo Neruda house-Valparaíso

If you are not familiar with Pablo Neruda, he was a famous Chilean-born poet. Neruda was born in 1904 in Chile and has two historic homes there and one in Spain. I went to the house in Santiago when I was there before but I would love to see this one in Valpo when I go. I think it is so interesting how Neruda built houses that were a direct inspiration from and for his poetry. 

This is a photo I took outside of the house in Santiago. I believe we weren't allowed to take any inside, but it was amazing. It was designed to seem like the inside of a boat and had many different parts to the architecture that I had never seen before. I can imagine him there in his house, writing poetry he would win awards for. Maybe someday I can have a house just half as unique as he, and get inspiration for my artwork! 

A bittersweet farewell

This is my surprise going-to-Chile party! I've always wanted a surprise party, but I never thought it would be because I'm going to a foreign country. Anyway, my awesome roommate Blair planned the get-together for this past weekend. Apparently the group had been planning for quite a while but I wasn't aware until the day of. A little bird accidently dropped a hint but it was still a great surprise. The party was at Gattitown and some college friends and friends from work were there. It was so nice of everyone to do something like this for me, I felt so loved! We had so much fun, being kids again and playing all the games. Not to mention bumper cars. So, thanks to all of you for a great time!

T-minus 13 days!!

The Cappuccino

If you know me, you know how much I love coffee and espresso. This is why I love this Chilean tradition, the delicious cappuccino! I know it's not really "Chilean" per se, but it is definitely something to enjoy while in Chile. Thanks to Grundy, our mission trip leader, we enjoyed our cappuccinos almost daily. This would sometimes be accompanied by "once." Once (pronounced ohn-seh) is somewhat of a tea-time. You might have small sandwiches, bread, cheese, and cookies for a midday or evening snack. But, back to the cappuccino. It's rich, frothy, and creamy with just enough caffeine to give you a jolt for the day. I also just love the quaintness of small coffee shops, sitting outside on a little table, and just enjoying the surroundings. 

Cerros en Santiago

When you go to a city surrounded by the mountains, the Andes at that, you are going to find some hills. The great thing about Santiago is there are a few historical hills/parks you can visit. I loved going to Cerro Santa Lucía. It overlooks the whole city and it's beautiful, not to mention the sculpture overlooking the city.

There's also Castillo Hidalgo, another hill that overlooks part of the city as well. If I remember correctly, it honors Pedro de Valdivia.

I love going to places like this where you can just stand there and take it all in. The city is so vast but it's surrounded by the beautiful nature of the mountains. I can't wait to see it again!

Panaderías

Bakeries, they are something very ubiquitous in Chile. You can find one in every neighborhood because most families buy their bread daily. When we stayed in Santiago, our group leader Grundy would go to the local panadería to get some different types of breads along with cheese and marmalade. So delicious for breakfast! I can't wait to walk down the block, get some good bread, coffee, and just enjoy breakfast with great company. It's the simple things in life that I always enjoy!

This is one of my faves, "hallulla." It's delicious with a slice of cheese (similar to havarti) and marmalade. 

Termas

When I went to Chile a couple years ago we went to Las Termas del Huife, south of Santiago. Termas are basically hot springs created from volcanoes. The termas we went to in Huife were located by a river surrounded by trees. There were a few different pools to swim in, each different temperatures. There are termas located all over Chile due to the volcanic terrain. Claudio and I are hoping to find some semi-close to Santiago to visit. They are so fun, especially because of the cool fall/winter weather if you go during that time. I can't wait to go somewhere new to both of us! 

PS...T-minus 21 days until I leave!!!

Old Architecture

Another thing I'm looking forward to in Chile is all the old architecture. This is a building I saw around the "centro" in Santiago. I can't remember what it was but I want to say it had something to do with the stock market. Anyone know? I love seeing all the cathedrals, old houses, restaurants, and other buildings. On my last trip we also got to see one of Pablo Neruda's houses in Santiago.

Pablo Neruda was a very famous poet in Chile and had a house in Santiago, Valparaíso, and I believe one in Spain as well. I hope to see the one in Valpo on this trip.

I had a dream last night...

...that I was in Chile with Claudio and all his friends. Not that weird, I know. Usually I have very strange dreams, almost every night I can remember. But this one was not weird, just having fun being with Claudio and hanging out with friends there. This is one thing I'm very much looking forward to. Some of these people I have somewhat met through facebook but I'm looking forward to meeting them in person and just hanging out. I love meeting new people and making new friends, especially all over the world! So, as another week ends today I realize that makes for only three more weeks until my departure to South America. I can't believe it has come so fast! I just hope these last few weeks keep going by fast. For now I'm trying to enjoy being in Lexington and doing something each day other than work.

On something unrelated, I watched Biutiful last night. If you're not familiar, it's a Spanish language film that was nominated for two Oscars this year. It was definitely a Spanish film and something that makes you think. I encourage you to take a look, unless you're very uncomfortable with death (the main topic in the movie).

Sopaipillas con pebre

I know I already posted some food from Chile, but it is just so good! I absolutely love sopaipillas with pebre. Sopaipillas are basically a fried dough with a salsa. Some people make them more soft inside while others choose to make a crispier version. They're both delicious and you just can't do them justice while making them in the US. You'll just have to go to Chile and experience it yourself. You don't know what you're missing!

¡Español!

If you know me, you know how I love Spanish. Even though it's everywhere, I'm looking forward to being  forced to speak it everyday while in Chile! I try to speak Spanish every chance I get here in the states but sometimes I just don't get enough chances. Being surrounded by Spanish-speaking people will help me practice and not feel so nervous. I remember after being in Chile for a month before my mind started thinking in Spanish. It was so weird to come back to the states and not hear it everywhere around me. The most overwhelming part though, is being in a huge group of people all speaking at once and fast! Wish me luck with that one, especially Claudio's family I have yet to meet. I can't wait to meet them but I hope I can understand everyone all at once!

Viña del Mar y Valparaíso

These are two pictures I took in Chile, the first in Valpo and the second in Viña. I absolutely love these cities! They're right by the ocean and each is unique. I love the colorful houses on all the hills in Valpo and the big rocks in Viña. Claudio and I plan to go on a day trip sometime while I'm there. The weather will probably be a little cool but still enjoyable. It's the beach, you can't go wrong! Plus, fresh seafood, empanadas, and quaint little shops with artisan vendors. 

New Series: Countdown to Chile

I just thought since my Chile trip is a month away, I will do a blog series related to Chile. I will start with something different every day or so that I'm looking forward to on my trip. Today's pick is the epic Churrasco!

This is the best picture I could find, for some reason I didn't take one when I was there a few years ago. This sandwich is the best in Chile! It has sliced beef on a toasted bun with your choice of toppings. My favorite is the typical tomato, avocado, and mayo. I ate these ever chance I got and I can't wait to bite down on one again. If you ever go, it's a must!

Much to Take In

Yesterday was a big day for me. I recently applied for AmeriCorps. If you're not familiar with it, it is similar to the Peace Corps but in the US. Also, you get to choose which programs you want to apply for and where, as opposed to getting placed in another country. So, with the few programs I applied for I only got one response and contact from an organization in Cincinnati.

I traveled up yesterday with my mom along for support. I had never been to this part of Cincinnati so it was something totally new to see. This organization is placed in a low-income neighborhood with lots of needs. They focus on education adults in the community, tutoring them one-on-one to take the GED. There are also literacy classes to improve reading skills. The organization also has a food pantry and thrift store that the community depends upon for their essential needs.

There will also be another ministry moving on site this year, focusing on bring Christ to the community through the arts. All the people I met were extremely nice and have a big heart for the people in the area. I learned more about the position I am applying for and it seems to be very flexible to my ideas and creativity. I would focus on the food pantry and thrift store but would also have the chance to create my own projects and work with the other ministry with arts.

It was so much to take in but I'm glad I got the chance to see it all in action. I could definitely see myself working there for a year and really making a difference. That is what I need to do, feel like I'm serving people and making a difference in some way. So, now I just need to pray and really think about this decision. Is it really what God wants me to do or is there something else? Thankfully I have a few weeks to ponder on the decision. It's so much to think about!