A Little This & That

Last Thursday Anders' parents, our "exit crew," arrived in Southern Chile.  It has been non-stop action from the moment they stepped off the plane, and things are about to pick up even more speed as we finish off our last week here.

Gordon and Sonja have joined us in visiting families and hosting families for our final visits and goodbyes. Raul and Evelynn, in Curacautin, prepared one of their lambs for us. We were also served warmed milk fresh from their cow, and Mom and Dad had their first rounds of mate... and Mom likes it! That's a good thing because we are planning on sharing in mate together while living at their house.

We had Heraldo's family over for tacos and red beans & rice. They really enjoyed a Mexican themed dinner of foods they have never tasted before. We shared in a sweet time of fellowship and prayer together. And as our goodbyes were being given, Heraldo gifted Anders his favorite leather cowboy hat.

We've enjoyed a lot of time outside in the beautiful summer weather, taking in the sunshine before heading back to winter in the States. The kids have loved taking PaPa and Grandma to one of their favorite places, our neighborhood park. There just so happened to be a special Christmas event going on at the park the day we went, and the kids enjoyed playing in those big jumpy things... for free!

We've been up to more things, (but unfortunately I don't have pictures to show). Mom and Dad attended a special church service that went from 8 p.m. till past midnight, (have we ever mentioned that it's a late night culture here?), in which Anders was the key speaker and the theme of the service was on missions. After returning home, we continued talking over a cup of tea about missions and life here and other various topics until about 2:30 in the morning. We've finished our Christmas and souvenir shopping at the downtown markets, and enjoyed meals of classic Chilean cuisine. We had a great time at the Tomlinson's house at our team Christmas party where we grilled out steak and had baked potatoes and homemade ice cream for Christmas dinner. There was a fun gift exchange and lots of laughter over games and fellowship. We are also managing to fit in some day trips in these last days.

Like to Valdivia's ocean coast and fish market where the massive sized sea lions live. 

 Today's adventure is to a volcano and the lava fields. Lot's of memories are being made, that's for sure.

Also, baby and I are at 33 weeks today. We've had our last doctor's appointment here, and the doctor said that baby's head is down and is in position and ready... but not TOO ready. All is looking healthy and good and we have been cleared for travel.

Please remember us in prayer this week as we have more goodbyes with some dear friends, all our packing and cleaning of the apartment needs to take place, fitting in some Christmas celebrating in the midst of the chaos must be had, and lots of traveling is ahead of us! Thank you!