right where i need to be

Where do I even begin?

Well, I am sitting by fire of my family's little house in the hills of Valparaíso. Each cerro (hill) is a different neighborhood, and I live in Cerro Alegre on Avenida Alemania (Germany Avenue). 'Alegre' in Spanish means happy or joyful. So, here by the chimenea on this hill, I could also say that I live in the Joyful Hills of Germany in Valparaíso, Chile.

At times this week, I have not been joyful. And, at times I've felt alone, overwhelmed and afraid. But, even though I doubted, God still brought me through. Sometimes, I wonder why He is so patient with me. And, after the fact, I always look back and wonder why I ever doubted.

One thing I struggled with this week...it's been difficult to coordinate with people. Then throw in the language barrier, a convoluted bus system, unreliable college students (I don't exclude myself from that description) and the very relaxed (that's an understatement) Chilean culture and you've got yourself a whole lot of nothing accomplished and failed attempts to meet.


But, you know those moments? Those moments when everything gets quiet and there is that still small voice that says the only true thing amid all my muddled thoughts, which in this case was...
 "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him." (Lamentations 3:25) I heard that whispered in my ear as I poured my café yesterday morning.
Also, my mom told me something that seems to keep echoing in my thoughts. She told me, "Sophie, wherever God has you is exactly where you need to be."

She couldn't be more right.

I went with a friend to Concón, which is on the otherside of Viña to watch el ocaso del sol (sunset) at the beach. It was the most spectacular breathtaking view I've ever experienced...I was in awe of God's beautiful creation.

  

I was humbled because it also reminded me that no matter where I am on this earth, He is everywhere. How can I forget that? He made it with his own hands, and he paints the sunsets.

 My friend Desiree and I enjoying the breathtaking view.














And, her sweet and hysterical host mom, Delia, who I just love.

This week was also the first week of classes. Nothing too exciting about classes. But, I do learn a lot, and I speak a lot of spanish.

Claudio on his way to work, and me on my way to my first day of classes...we have a lot of energy in the morning. I call him 'loco' and he calls me 'loca'. 









After my first day of classes, I experienced the completo--a traditional Chilean style hotdog with a ton of avocados and tomatoes on top. This is Rosa, Rosio and me with my first completo.

I've made some wonderful friends already. Here's some of us at a little empenada café...

Well, I'm looking forward my warm bed, but before I go, just want to share this song:
"Doubting Thomas" by Nickel Creek (Cover by Adam Farrell)
And this verse that just warms my soul...
"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion for the Lord is a God of justice.  Blessed are all who wait for Him." Isaiah 30:18

love,
sophie