2010 & 2011 have brought about some big adventures in my life. namely...
“But he has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.’”
2 Corinthians 12:9
These words are words that I am meditating on at the moment. I want them to wash over me and cover my life. I want the attitude of Paul in this passage - to be able to rejoice in my weaknesses, hardships and difficulties so that Christ may be glorified. The time here has been anything but easy and I often find myself being overwhelmed by feelings of homesickness. I long for the place that is comfortable and familiar but I believe God has made it clear this is what He has for me in this moment. I long for the community I experience at home yet I believe I was lead here so that I may grow.
He has been teaching me that His grace and His love are truly enough. He loves me more than any human ever could. Whether I am in a room full of loved ones or feeling isolated thousands of miles away from all that is familiar, He is there. He knows my hurts, my fears, my shortcomings, my failures, my doubts and he loves me still. This trip has forced me to lean on God in ways I never have before. He has stripped away my idols of comfort and desire for people’s affection and shown me that my ultimate security lies in Him and Him alone. I am truly blown away by His faithfulness despite my habit of running to everything but Him to be fulfilled. I know that I am held in His arms. May He use my brokenness for His glory.
A little peak into la cotidiana (daily life) de Santiago
Conchos are the cheapest, most convenient way of public transit here in Santiago. They are beat up / not-so-clean sedans from the late 80s. I think there’s about 15 lines in the city that all have their own letter. You can get dropped off or picked up anywhere along the route and there’s always a million conchos. The flat rate for each trip is 20 pesos which is about 70 cents US. Here’s the kicker: they pack up to seven people into the cars. Two in the passenger seat and four in the back. Let’s just say it’s not real comfy at times but it is most definitely a cultural experience I quite enjoy.
Oh the joys of second language learning…
So, I have a funny story for all y’all.
Yesterday Michael, Maya and I went to the beach with one of our doctors from last week, Dany. We went to Playa Durada on the north coast of the country. It’s a very popular tourist destination but we went to a spot further down on the beach that was less crowded and has cheaper food, drinks, etc. than the beach directly in front of the resorts. While we were walking in, I noticed all the houses were empty in the small town around us. It was a neighborhood of more than 50 houses, just standing empty like a ghost town.
We had a wonderful time at the beach and while we were walking past the houses on our way out I said, “Dany, ¿Por qué todas las casas son vacas?”
Dany just looked and me and started to laugh, then said, “Cows? Houses are cows?”
Yes, vacas means cows. I had asked ‘Why are all the houses cows?’
I attempted to save face by quickly fixing my mistake and using the correct word for empty which is vacias. It didn’t really work and we all had a good laugh about my slip up.
It was not the first and will not be the last time I speak Spanish incorrectly but it was one of the funniest. Having a sense of humor is key when you’re learning a new language & culture.
