Last times are special times....

Whenever a "last" something comes around it makes you look at things a little differently.

I've been finding that to be true this past week. Here are a few of the "lasts" I've had in the past few days...

• Last workout on one of these things... lol I'm thankful that the park across the road installed free "workout" machines--- but I'm excited to get home to a good ol' Indiana style gymnasium!
  

• Last view of the beautiful, snow-covered Volcanoes of Villarrica and Ilaima. I've always lived in Indiana-------which is beautiful to me. But--living close to one of Chile's most active Volcanoes has been an interesting experience.

• Last time translating for Sunday School. Translating for Jordan, Ben, and Kaylee during my stay here was beneficial for me linguistically...and I was thankful to be a part of the ministry at the 21 de Mayo church (that the Flinck's attend in Temuco).

• Last time with the brothers and sisters at Church I have loved so many things about this church ...chatting with Fernando (a dear gentleman who loves talking about spiritual things), singing hymns in Spanish accompanied by Guitar, fellowshipping with the jovenes (college-age pictured here, lol), and so many other things. This church family shocked me with a despedida (going away party) that I will never forget.

• Last Trip into Temuco by Bus: Twice a week I've spent time at the Bible Institute. (for Spanish class, lunch with the Thompson's (Flinck's co-workers), and English class). I've grown to love Temuco's crowded, vendor-packed streets.... where strawberries, jewelry, flowers, or whatever you want is right there to purchase.

• Last chances to compartir (share). There are too many names to list, but I've said a few too many goodbyes in that past few days. The Lord answered a prayer and allowed me to spend a little time with Teresa this afternoon, and we spent a few hours chatting about life and the direction the Lord is taking each of us. (Teresa was the counselor who helped me sooo much my first weekend in Chile--I stayed in her cabin and she did some translating to help me survive).
• the Last, "last" that I'm going to mention is the studying part... I'm going to be finishing up the classes over Christmas break, but the end is nearing. I learned a LOT by taking classes online this semester!

I leave Temuco Tomorrow (thursday) and leave Chile on Saturday. I've been looking at and doing the same things for three months now... but this week I'm trying to take the 2nd glance and say the extra thank you.

"There's so much to be Thankful for"...

This past weekend I spent thanksgiving with the group of people pictured here. From Left to right in the picture!

• Dan & Liz Thompson and family (Camp Lican Administrators)
  
• Daryl & Earlynne Thompson (GMSA--working with the Bible institute in Temuco)
  
• Micah & Lindsey Lusher (short-termers, teaching in Santiago)
  
• Dan & Diana Kunnari (GMSA missionary co-workers)
• Leah & Troy Kunnari (my fellow professional babysitters, lol)
  
• David & Kristi Flinck and family (my hosts in Temuco)

We spent a few days out at camp, and I got to be a "fly on the wall" while these missionary co-workers had time to fellowship, encourage, and edify one another. I feel like that has been a lesson that keeps coming up during my time here..... I need to LISTEN to those who are right now living through the trials and experiences of ministry!

Those who are in the stage ahead of me in life have so much to share if I just ask :)

Camp was beautiful as usual, and we took the opportunity to enjoy the weather--it was a gift after many days of rain in the past few months.

After the weekend of rest we returned to Temuco on Saturday, and I officially began the "final frenzy" stage....... until December 12, I will be wrapping up classes, saying goodbyes, prepping to fly home, and pausing to look back on all the Lord has done this semester in my life and the lives of those around me! I have much to be thankful for!

"Take me with my boots on".... the story of Fresia Ormeño Diener

I mentioned in the Chillán post that I met a special woman at the retreat for Pastor's wives. Her name is Fresia Ormeño Diener, and she stood out to me for a few reasons.

First of all, this lady of 78 is just about as tall as I am......... rare for a lady of her age, lol, and even MORE rare for a Chilean lady of her age :)

Secondly, I could tell by the reactions of others that she had a story worth learning about. It wasn't that she drew attention to herself, but you can just TELL when someone is dearly loved and looked up to. so I decided to find out more, and I'm glad I did... Here's her story!

Fresia has Alzheimer's disease-- and yet as I watched her and talked with her (She knows English!)..... I discovered that she remembers well her God and His faithfulness to her.

Fresia was born January 14, 1931 in Chillán, Chile. Her mother at times would read from the Bible, so she knew about the God of the word.....but she did not yet know Him. Fresia's father was an alcoholic who abandoned the family when Fresia's mother grew ill. The future looked grim, as the kids were split up to live in different homes and their mother was expected to die. Yet, the Lord had other plans... Fresia's mother recovered, and upon being released from the hospital, moved the family to Temuco, Chile.

One day, while passing an Evangelical church Fresia met a missionary lady named Ellen Eck who made a deep impression on her life. After one meeting, the woman's kindness won Fresia's trust and friendship. (praise God for a testimony like that!) From that day on, Fresia never missed a church service....and a few months later at the age of 12 she became a believer in Christ as the only way of Salvation!

Fresia yielded her life to full time service at a Christian camp (...GO CAMP! lol), and later studied 4 years at a Bible institute (grad. 1952). To sum up the rest of her life; Fresia kept busy serving the Lord.... never marrying, but traveling within Chile to teach ladies, writing materials for children's ministries, and serving in charge of the dept. of Christian education for many years. Concerning her life, Fresia wrote the following in an Autobiography---don't worry, I'll translate :)

"El nunca me ha fallado, ha cumplido Sus promesas y ha derramado bendiciones en abundancia...es incredible que Dios pueda usar a persona tan indigna; por eso El reciba toda la honra y la gloria por estos años, pues ha sido El quien lo ha hecho todo, yo sólo soy Su instrumento. Exalto el Nombre de mi Señor y le ruego que me use hasta el fin, y si fuere Su voluntad, que me lleve con las botas puestas."

Translation: (mas o menos, lol) "God has never failed me, has fulfilled His promises, and has poured out blessings in abundance ... it's incredible that God would use a person so unworthy, so he gets all the honor and glory for these years, because it was He who has done all these things. I am only His instrument. Exalt the name of my Lord and (Lord), please use me to the end, and if it be Your will, take me with my boots on. "

..... "Take me with my boots on" I love that last phrase, and love the example this lady set for those who would follow after.

That's just a story that I wanted to share........ just an example of someone who has served the Lord faithfully. May many more join her in this~

Chillán

This past weekend, I had the privilege to accompany a group of pastors wives to Chillan, Chile for a conference. The roses were blooming in Chillan, which is located about 3 hours north of Temuco. We squished 8 people into a 7 passenger van for the trip, lol... as you can see in the picture we had a great time! I am neither a pastor's wife, nor a missionary's wife at this point in my life, lol! But~I was thankful for the opportunity to learn from these ladies.

I can't really express how special it was to talk with and listen to this group as they shared experiences from ministry. I guess it opened my eyes to the perspective of a pastor's wife... and it gave me a lot to think about! During a question answer session, a few of them shed tears at the way God had been faithful through difficult times, and I won't ever forget that.

I met some special people this weekend. One in particular named Fresia~ who speaks Spanish, German, and English. This woman was a missionary, writer, teacher, and mentor to many here in Chile and so I want to post a little bit about her life in the future! Hermana Fresia has Alzheimer disease now, but her life still shines as an example to those around her. Praise God for people like Fresia who give their lives for the Gospel!

"Hi Jenna!"

"Hi Jenna, its been awhile....What have you been up to lately?"

• I'm glad you asked :) The past few weeks have been focused a LOT on classes~this is the middle of the semester, when things start to get busy! I've also spent time with a few church members--this past Sunday afternoon I rode in the back of a truck to visit Tia (aunt) Metche and her family. We ate a big lunch, looked at photos, walked around the neighborhood, and even watched some tv in Spanish. It was a good opportunity to get to know them better!
  

"oh, and how is your Spanish? are you fluent yet?"

• Emm... I'll be transparent here. My Spanish is progressing~ but I've found that the process is slow and at times frustrating. I tend to be more reserved in conversations anyways, so the temptation is strong to just listen and not speak!! I have so much I want to say--but it takes endurance to fight for each sentence. After awhile its easy to go on autopilot instead of staying actively engaged. My experience with Spanish here has been a process... one that has shown me some areas of personal weakness, and one that has caused a deeper dependence on the Lord for endurance.
  

"Hmmm... that's interesting. How are the online classes going?"

• Bien... mas o menos! I have a Spanish reading assignment due each week, which keeps me busy! 1 Corinthians and Syst. Theology 3 just started, and I am enjoying the audio lectures. (and need to start work on the outlines!) Linguistics has been a challenge for me personally. I am struggling with some of the content, and desperately need to finish the first part of the class soon. Focusing and using wisely the time that I do have has been a struggle that I've constantly dealt with... welcome to life, eh? :)
  

" Jenna~tell me the truth~Do you ever get lonely?"

• Good question.... and to be honest, the answer sometimes is yes. Although I am generally independent, and mom/dad/friends are only a skype call away.... Every once in awhile I do feel isolated and away from all that is familiar. But~ that's part of adjusting to a new culture, and God has given the grace He's promised that He would. Most of that battle was during the first few weeks, but since then it continues to test my belief that God alone satisfies .... Psalm 139 has been such an encouragement.
  

"Hey, I don't want to keep you, but what is one of the things God been teaching you lately? and how can I pray for you?"

• One thing (I'll spare you the book version,lol) that being out of the United States has taught me is that I ought to strive together with those I love by praying for them--that includes those here in Chile, at home, and at Northland. Believers can and must bear up one another by spending time alone with God in prayer. The cause of the Gospel is too important, and time is too short for us to forsake one another--even when separated for awhile.
• You can pray that I'll stay faithful to what God has called me to do in Chile. Pray that I'll keep my eyes wide open, and keep my heart tuned in to the things the Holy Spirit is trying to accomplish. You can pray that I'll redeem the time that I have left here (a mere 5 1/2 weeks). and most of all... you can pray that I'll focus on the Gospel, and not myself.
  

Thanks for listening~and thanks for asking, too.

A good reason to put down the books...

I learned this week that at times, the right thing to do is put everything down... and one of those times is when it would make a difference in a kid's life. ;o) I tend to be task-oriented, so it was a lesson that I needed to learn!

On Tuesday, I was sitting at my desk working on school when I started to hear a lot of noise outside the room. I kept hearing "Shhh...... don't tell her" and "NO... put that over there!!!" Jordan and Ben kept peeking in to ask when I would be done with school for the day. (it is so hard to explain to them that, "Miss Jenna's school work is not like your school work...." I could work on it all day and still leave a list of unaccomplished tasks, lol).

It came to the point that I couldn't hold them off any longer with a good conscience. So, I put down the books and decided to join Jordan, Ben, and Kaylee in whatever adventure they had been planning for the past few hours...

I'm glad that I did, because upstairs they had set up ALL of their play-doh on a table, made a "pin the tail on the monster" game,
and had even put some "mood music" on for a PARTY! Party we did, and the wonderful afternoon was completed with none other than an etch-a-sketch competition! It was special, because they had planned it... and the books were still there when I returned a few hours later!

Classes con café

Most of my updates so far have been pictures of Chile when I'm out and about, but the reality is that I am a full-time student this semester.... not a tourist. I spend a LOT of time sitting here at this desk with headphones on and something to drink if I'm lucky! This is a well-used space... and I like to spread things out as you can see :o) it helps the thoughts flow. This is the room/office in the middle of the day when things are busy... it doesn't always look this way!
At first progress was SUPER slow on classes, but as I've settled in and saw some due dates approaching... I've started to pick up some speed. Continue to pray for me in this area, as it is a matter of stewardship and discipline! but on a side note.... I've enjoyed the classes so far :o)

¡Vamos al Mundial!

Hi everyone! One of the major events in the past few weeks was the Oct 9-12 retreat at beautiful Camp Lican. This retreat was for jovenes (college-age) from the surrounding churches. Once again, I jumped in with the others and had a great time with the group! These are the girls in my cabin for the weekend...

I loved getting to know the Thompson family better(left). Dan and Liz are both Northland graduates serving with GMSA in Chile. The kids showed me all around camp on Sunday... even their fort (root castle). I felt so privileged...



The majority of the weekend was spent under the instruction of Pastor Ricardo Daglio from Villa Regina, Argentina. God used the preaching of His word to convict and work in Hearts.
On Saturday of the retreat, Chile's soccer team played Colombia...and the whole country watched! Why? because a win against Columbia meant that Chile qualifies for the World Cup next summer. Well, it was a great game, and there was just a LITTLE bit of celebration after Chile won 2-4!



I felt like I was at a super bowl party... :0) Except in this case the whole room...the whole country for that matter was supporting the same team. The result was a lot of face paint/kettle corn/foam sprayed after each goal/and a Lot of flag waving... we had a great time!

I am a basketball player myself, and know Nothing about world cup soccer.... but I've officially decided to join the bandwagon and learn a little bit more about the World's favorite sport.

The Whole Earth is full of the Lord...

Life here in Chile has been so normal and so, well, plain that I simply didn't have much to post...

Just kidding...Actually, the exact opposite is true. This, my fourth week, was the climax of my time here so far. It started with a trip to Santiago, and ended with a weekend at camp. Stay tuned because, Lord-willing, the next few days will have a few updates.

Friday, October 2nd the Flinck's and I set out for Santiago (Chile's Capital). The purpose for the trip was to take Lukas (2 months old) to the US Embassy to register him as an American Citizen born abroad. They decided to make a trip out of it, and I ended up meeting all of the GMSA missionaries, and a few BMM missionaries who are currently in Santiago. We stayed for 4 full days, and left Wednesday morning. I wish I could tell all the stories here... but in summary God challenged my thinking about missions and church planting, and encouraged me spiritually during my time with these brothers and sisters in Christ.

During the trips back and forth, I had a chance to see the beautiful countryside of Chile. What's unique about Chile is that you can see the entire country (from east to west,that is) at the same time. On the western border is the low coastal mountains...and the eastern border is the Andes. We could see both as we drove North, and it was beautiful. Enjoy the pictures of the Chilean Campo. We stopped at the Saltos del Laja (waterfall) on the way. As we drove, I couldn't help but think that the whole earth is full of the Lord...








The trip ended with a gorgeous sunset. If you know me, then you know I love to watch them whenever I get a chance. This was one that made me sit in awe.... because I know its maker!

No matter where you are...

I woke up this morning and realized that I’ve been doing the same thing now for a few days in a row. Getting up, spending time in the Word, having breakfast, and starting school. Today for some reason it hit me that it was becoming a…… routine.

I thought, “But I’m in Chile…. I’m having adventures, seeing new things, meeting new people….I’m on the MISSION field for Pete’s sake!” Then this thought came to mind. Life lived without thought of the Gospel and God’s glory IS dull, routine, and uninviting…no matter where you are on the Globe.

Suddenly my lack of motivation started to make sense. All these mundane, everyday things are directly from the Lord’s hand to me, and I’ve forgotten that I can do all of them to His glory.I was reminded of Phil 1:20-21, a verse that I return to often. I praise God for the reminder that for me to live... is Christ!

A FULL fin de semana (weekend)

Church this weekend was full of opportunities! On Saturday I went with Krisi to the ladies Bible study. It was a blessing to spend time with this group. A college-age group, led by the pastor, meets at the same time. After both groups were done, they asked me to play ping pong, and I think they were a little confused that I would rather spend time with the "married ladies" ...so I may join the younger group in the future! :)


On Sunday, Lily, a lady who teaches Sunday school asked if I would translate her lesson for Jordan, Ben, and Kaylee (who know very little Spanish yet). I was both excited and nervous...but of course answered "YES!" I understood enough to translate her main points, but that was about it. I pray that this will be a good opportunity to encourage them spiritually!



After church, I joined a team of Chileans traveling to San Ramon to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Church plant there. San Ramon is a community of Government built housing, surrounded by miles of country side and mountains/volcanoes in the distance. The day was beautiful, the view was breathtaking, and the service was a blessing. At this point, the church holds a weekly kids meeting, with hopes of making contacts with parents to start a future church. There was a great turnout on this particular day, and they celebrated the one-year existence of the kids club with songs, cake, and lots of snacks and drinks...including pineapple flavored pop.

After cleaning up and breathing in the fresh country air, it was time to drive back to Temuco for the evening service. The entire day was spent speaking Spanish, getting to know some church members better, and observing this church work together for the sake of the Gospel..... it was a FULL fin de semana.

A Time Capsule...

It is time for me to pause and summarize what all has gone on during the past 14 days. Things have begun to happen so quickly that for my sake and yours, I need to write down what has taken place! So here is my first time capsule...full of memories of the past two weeks.

• The first item that will be in this time capsule is a boarding pass... Saturday, September 12, 2009 is the date written on it. That's the day I left Green Bay, the United States, and the Northern Hemisphere to come to Chile.

• Next I will put in a handful of legos, a stuffed animal, and a pacifier in honor of Jordan, Ben, Kaylee, and Lukas Flinck. We've been getting to know each other through various activities they like to do...hence the toys in the capsule. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to watch and help David and Kristi shepherd these little ones! Parents are heroes!
  

• A sleeping bag will go into the capsule next. This signifies my stay at Camp Lican, and the many things I learned there. I will remember the retreat as a "cultural growth spurt" of sorts. Camp is intense, but camp in another country brings out cultural differences. Jumping into a Chilean Camp the way I did was difficult, but the result was the beginning of a learning process...which is exactly what needed to happen.

• This capsule wouldn't be complete without my Linguistics book, which represents both my online class and my struggle with Spanish. Taking Linguistics while trying to learn Spanish has reminded me of an attribute of God... His Sovereignty. God knew what he was doing at Babel, and I've found that climbing the language barrier He put into place is exactly what He intended it to be.... WORK. My current struggle is not a reason for discouragement, but a reminder to worship.

• A 500 peso coin represents the trips I have taken to the Bible institute by bus. I will be traveling to the BI at least two times a week for prayer meetings, lunch dates with the Thompson's (GMSA missionary couple), and English/Spanish classes. This bi-weekly trip will help me get to know Temuco, learn from a seasoned missionary couple, practice Spanish one-on-one with a tutor, and gain experience watching/helping Myrian teach her English class.
  

• A cup of instant Chilean coffee is the last addition to this capsule. Coffee represents the students, missionaries, and Chileans of all ages I have met and my desire to get to know them better. Building relationships in Chile means spending a LOT of time around a pot of coffee talking about family, culture, and God's word. I'm praying that God would give those opportunities in His perfect time.
  

There's my story of the last few weeks in "time capsule" form...I hope it gives you a picture of what I've been up to. No way is this a complete summary... That version is a 14 page Microsoft Word document. :)

A trip into Temuco...my first one of many!

Yesterday, David Flinck showed me the route to Myrian's office where we will meet each week for a Spanish lesson. We catch a public bus to get downtown and catch a collectivo to get home (a Collectivo is sort of like a taxi, except with a specific route).

The lesson with Myrian went well! First of all we discussed different things so she could gauge my level of Spanish. We played number games, reviewed ser/estar, read and discussed a Bible passage, and answered questions.... all while sipping coffee (very important to the learning process!)

I'm going to love meeting with Myrian each week. It will allow me to spend some time in the downtown area, which is full of street vendors and shops and people to watch!

Viviendo en Cristo, por Cristo, y para Cristo

This past weekend, I traveled with the Flinck family to a camp near Licanray, Chile. The camp is located about an hour and 1/2 from Temuco. As you can see, the theme was based from Colossians 1:16--a perfect theme to present the Gospel from. There were a lot of unsaved joveniles (13-18 years old, roughly) at camp this weekend, and they heard the Gospel loud and clear!


In honor of Chile's version of July 4th, a group of teens from the area gathered at Camp Lican for the weekend. Camp is always a lot of fun, but the focus of this retreat was definitely the Gospel. Pastor Ivan from a church in Villarica, Chile was the speaker. Friday was Chile's Independence day, so there were a lot of traditional Chilean festivities.

Although I struggle a LOT understanding Chilean Spanish, I did understand some of the main points from Pastor Ivan's messages.


Power Groups~ it wouldn't be camp without them. After the morning message, the teens would split up with their consejeros (counselors) for a time of group devotions and discussion about the message. I sat in with my cabin.... nodding and smiling when I understood parts of the discussion! Teresa (just to the left of me in the circle) led the cabin in prayer and faithfully exhorted the girls to live in light of the Gospel.



What a place to have power groups! This guys cabin met by the lake next to camp with quite a view in the background.















This photo is of the whole camp; including counselors, workers, and kids....and pets.

This is my cabin- Betel. We left Lican Saturday afternoon, and I was sad to leave these girls. I was just beginning to adjust and start getting to know them. Lordwilling, I will see Teresa (just left of me) again in October when we come back for another retreat.

I have so much more to say about camp--like any good camp, the Word of God is the center of what they do... but there were a lot of other things we did that made this weekend at camp a Lot of fun! Check back soon for pictures of the games we played and some lessons I learned while at Camp.