Chi - Chi - Chi - Chi - le - le - le!

Greetings! Well it's been a little over a week now since reentry from Chile (note: not CHILI).

Mmm...Chili....





What a great trip. We helped rebuild / fix up three homes during our time there and view and participate in a variety of economic projects in the area. The Mapuche Natives that we worked, lived, and shared fellowship amongst proved to be warm, hard-working, generous, and enjoyable people. The Spirit of God was also evident amongst them. Likewise, we had the chance to serve alongside Mark Lennox, local Global Servant for Bright Hope & Willow Creek, and two members of his church who drove down from Santiago. The Church really is a global phenomenon, and this was a wonderful reminder of that fact.




Let's hit some of the highlights of our trip, in no particular order:

• The country is simply gorgeous. When the nuclear fallout hits the US our team agreed we are all hiding out in Chile



• The weather was perfect. 75-78, sunny, with puffy white clouds almost the entire trip. Just like Chicago in January...or something.

• Mark Lennox. Bright Hope / Willow Global Servant. He and his family live in Santiago where he pastors a church and led our team's time amongst the Mapuche. I HIGHLY recommend supporting his work down there. Here is the form to do so if you feel so led. Or call Bright Hope directly at 224-520-6100.
  
  
• The Mapuche people were warm, inviting, loving, hard-working people, who put up with all of our crazy gringo ways very patiently.




• Mate. Several of us developed an addiction to the stuff. I bought some at Eurofresh upon returning to the States.
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• Our campground. Carlos, the proud and gracious owner, runs a wonderful campground with nice cabins. The next time you're in the Vilcun area I recommend staying there.
  
  
• Our team. We were awesome. No, seriously. What a great group of people. We had a lot of fun, a lot of serious times together, and a lot of laughs. Thank you Frank, Jan, Lee, Ofelia, Russ, Emily, Kelly, Pancha, and Joey!
  
• Mery and Ricardo. Two servants who have spent the last five years building rapport and working with the Mapuche people. They light up a room.
  
• Pastor Elueterio. Who, along with his wife, Marta, hosted us daily, drove us around, and worked alongside us.
  
• The stupid chickens that kept eating the styrofoam insulation. Yes, they ate a lot of it. And somehow lived.
  
• The little churches, thriving in the communities all over the countryside. We got to see many of them, meet many of their members, and experience worshiping with them.


• Washing and cleaning wool in the river with the Mapuche. Now that's HARD WORK (and whatever you may think of sheep, they are incredibly dirty animals, albeit delicious to eat).




• Sheep heads. Enough said.

Does this sound interesting to you? It should, because it is good stuff. And you should do anything and everything to join us again next winter for Chile - 2012! Stay tuned for details this summer!