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!