Santiago is not what I thought it would be.
Anytime I travel I have found it best to not make assumptions. Making predictions just gets you in trouble. Your mind is prepared and usually let down. For some reason, I thought I knew what to expect. I did the research and talked to those who came in the past, therefore making it acceptable to assume. In this case, I will say, that I am blown away by how greatly wrong I was. The first day was pretty weird, running on jet leg will do that to you, and I was confused mentally. I was uncomfortable and frustrated. As the days continued, I found myself sinking into this life with ease. Who couldn't with the unending views of the Andes, warm summer air, and a life so foreign its refreshing to feel the shock of unfamiliarity.
All in all, the first week has been incredible, except adjusting to walking everywhere, I forgot how much work walking is. We have been all around the city doing touristy things and things most Chileans and tourists don't do. For example, I don't think Chileans know what an Eno is. At one point there were seven Enos up between four trees. We already get a lot of attention because our pale skin stands out from the reflection of the scorching sun, and that just added to the amusement. We also all speak english, so anytime we talk people turn around and stare. Its great since I just love being the center of attention all the time (I hope you realize how sarcastic that was).
Another thing I never expected was for me to say that I enjoy school. I wake up and take the metro a few stops down, head into a spanish style palm tree heaven, learn Spanish which is actually an applicable class, head back to the apartment and lay on the roof by the pool until I scorch, then hang out. So, yeah school is not bad. I do have a few online classes and one other class on campus two days a week so don't think my life is easy, ha.
For this next paragraph, I will tell you about some cultural things that are different that you will find interesting. 1. We are surrounded by mountains, literally, so the pollution here is really bad because it has no where to escape to. The ozone layer has been depleting making the UV extremely high. Therefore Chileans wear sunblock everyday. This is something I did not figure out till a few days later and five shades darker. 2. Personal space is non-existent. I hate physical touch and people being close to me. I am much more comfortable with knuckles than a hug goodbye. Yet here it is customary to lean in for a kiss on the cheek. Weird. Also, on the metro, I have to just prepare for so many types of weird touching. Yet, I am oddly becoming OK with this. This is life here and this is not America. It's wild stepping out and taking on knew customs. 3. Peanut butter is expensive because Chileans don't eat it. 4. Coffee is instant and served in a tall sized Starbucks cup for them. Luckily I brought Crema coffee, a hand grinder, filters, and a hand pour, so this is not a problem. 5. Do not think life is terrible here because of the points I am making. I love the Chilean culture and their respect for humans. Anytime you enter a room you are supposed to greet everyone and say goodbye to everyone. I think this is something Americans think strange and annoying because we are selfish. We simply find it annoying to have to talk to everyone in the room and get stuck an extra hour before we leave to say goodbye. This value that the Chileans have is selfless.
Lastly, a few friends and I took an adventure to the coast this weekend. I experienced many things for the first time such as staying in a hostel, communicating with very broken spanish when it actually really matters because you need directions, and seeing God through animals. Let me elaborate on this last point. This weekend we were in a foreign city. Therefore did not know where anything was. We relied at many points on sheer luck than logic. Yet, from the start the Lord placed people in our path to lead us safely to the next point. There was a sweet middle aged lady who did not know english but made us feel safe and secure without saying a word, we ran into many english speaking people with maps (seems like a great idea for next time, a map), and some dogs led us to where we needed to be. There are so many wild dogs throughout Chile. They roam everywhere being fed by people who pass by. In fact, I learned that people do not buy dogs. They acquire them when the dog just follows them home and are reluctant to keep it. So the dogs were a normal sight, but their behavior was not. They continued to walk ahead and alongside weaving us through the alleways and web like streets of Valparaiso. God was working there. I love being able to see the Lord lead in such small acts. He has continued to speak to me this week through his people. Revealing at different times his plan for me for the time being. I think right now I am surrounded by many people who need a tangible encounter with the Holy Spirit. Graciously through my story of The Overflow, people are seeing God. Its so incredible to use what he has for me to encourage others. I also am being reassured about my decision to go into counseling, no further details necessary. God is so good isn't he? That he would choose us as prized and worthy.
Thanks for following along with my adventures. Pictures are up on my facebook page and can be also found on instagram @madslikesfries. Feel free to message me or text me through imessages if you want more stories or pictures or to say hi! Miss you all and am thankful to have so many people who fill me with love. May you see God and seek him through a renewal of his presence this week.
Till the nations proclaim his name,
Mads
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