Absolutely incredible day! Started this morning with breakfast and a beautiful morning prayer around a special candle that some awesome friends gave us...(thanks guys.) Headed out to the bottom of the mountain wondering what was on the other side. The mountain was quite the climb. Quite steep, but had several places to stop and rest, take pictures and give great thanks to the Lord for the incredible view. Carrie was determined to find out what was on the "other side" of this mountain.
We have lots of pictures to show of these stops along the way. Finally made it to the top and on the other side was the most spectacular view of the ocean and extremely high waves.
Now we had to go down the other side just to experience closer all that was being offered. We found a great restaurant that was very inviting. Clearly the Lord had our table already reserved. While we were struggling with menu selection a very kind lady from the next table quickly came to our rescue and offered assistance in ENGLISH!!! We clapped with joy when hearing her voice and she helped us and the waiters communicate to each other. It was awesome. Can you imagine...these people were from Manitoba, CANADA!!! Her husband was actually from Regina. This was so awesome. We couldn't believe this.
Afterwards we carried on around this mountain to come beautiful beaches that had shells of all kinds. I picked up an empty clam shell that had a star fish in it and just above the star fish was a baby star fish. Yet another little gift from God of how beautiful His creation is. Had to do the "Alpha" thing and throw the star fish back into the ocean. Thought of all the Alphagetti's when I did that.
Tonight we are going shopping. Most shopping takes place in the late evening. Stores close somewhere around 4 to 7pm. Then everything opens again and the streets are filled with people, music and shopping.
Weather has been great. Beautiful sunny day today. We wear shorts and the locals are all bundled up in sweaters, long pants and light winter jackets. Their winter is a nice spring day for us. Stopped for a refreshing break this afternoon around a great water fountain. Took off our socks and shoes and put our feet in the water. Not sure what the locals thought of this as everyone else was bundled up for winter.
So far...great people, great food, great prices and "to die for" manjar, which we have eaten everyday. (google it)
We have a special prayer request. Fr Carlos from Santiago has a high fever and under doctor's orders, cannot make the trip to Arica. Dennis will have to cover his talk. Please pray for both Fr Carlos and Dennis. For Fr Carlos that his temperature return to normal for our training event in Santiago and for Dennis that he "easily" learns this talk.
Thank you for all your prayers regarding our health. We are all feeling great. One little exception...Ramona has a red sunburn that required some ointment. Please pray for soothing on her shoulders and back. (Momma Delia, nothing to worry about here. I promise we are taking good care of her.)
Missing all of you,
To Ray, Brian, Karen and all of our kids...we miss all of you lots and lots.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Carole
