Patagonia!!!

I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Patagonia in Southern Chile. After hiking with my backpack for around two weeks, I can't believe I made it across snowy passes, through swamps and mosquitos, around lakes and rivers (okay, I fell into one once), and through glaciers and forests. The pictures do not do the park justice and I feel fortunate to have seen and experienced such an amazing place!

Puntas Arenas

Almost the end of the continent 

Puerto Natales! 

Night before my hike.

Arriving at Los Torres (The Towers) del Paine. The park boasts 17 different ecosystems. 

Second day of the hike

Camping site!

Hiking view of the day

Climbing through the forest

Hiking towards the glacier in the back

Preparing to cross the snowy pass 

Glacier time!

El Lago Grey 

The glaciers reaching the lake

Glacier time!

View of Lago Pehoé from the Valle del Francés

Valle del Francés!

This valley was one of my favorite spots!

Los Torres from the back 

Valle del Francés

I camped at the base of the towers overnight and then headed up at dark to watch the sunrise. 

The weather was freezing but as the sun rose the colors changed and then...

The towers lit up!

The reflection in the lake at the base of the towers!

Hiking out after the towers!

Little foxes about 15 km from the campsite :)

Waterfalls

View of the park from across the Lago Pehoé

The sky is clearing!

Torres!

Valle del Francés from across the lake

I may have been in love with this lake!

This is the view from my tent in the morning. 

What a trip! 

Not Just How to Survive

I turn away from my parents' crying faces and make my way through the airport security line, armed with my passport in one hand and a list of planes, buses, and taxis I will need to catch in the other, I realize I am leaving the deserts of Phoenix for the beaches of Chile. I find myself repeating the idea, "I can do this. I will survive." As I disembark the plane in Santiago the goal of surviving transforms into an ongoing game plan. And as I settle into this new country, the first several months here are a manifestation of this drive to survive.

Nearly nine months after my arrival in Chile, I realize that Chile taught me not just how to survive but how to thrive.

I came here with the overwhelming determination that I would survive. I would pass classes, meet people, improve my language (my roommate reminds me that improving my language was easy considering what I was able to say when I arrived :), be involved with Rotary, learn about Chile, etc.

But what I did not expect, what I did not plan for, or really imagine would happen was that I would thrive in Chile.

I would not only pass classes but I would learn and experience camaraderie with some of my wonderful classmates. I would not only meet people but I would have amazing roommates and new friends. I would not only improve my language but I would also be able to really connect with people. I would not only be involved with Rotary but I would also be involved with other organizations and find a new job for the following year. I would not only learn about Chile but I would also learn about myself.

After months of surviving, somewhere I transitioned to thriving. A transition that I could not have made alone, a transition made possible by many. I realize that I am thriving thanks to my family, my friends in the United States, my Rotary family here and in the Arizona, my friends in Chile, and all the people who contributed and continue to invest in me and in support of my journey. So thank you, thank you, thank you for being a part of my transition. I feel honored, overwhelmed, and undeservingly fortunate to have so many incredible people pour into my life and support me. When I look out over the Chilean landscape and think about preparing for my journey soon back to Arizona, I am grateful that my goal to survive created space where I could thrive.

"Foto" Friday

Pablo Neruda, the beloved Chilean poet, was buried at his house in La Isla Negra. His tomb is shaped like the bow of a ship and points out to the pacific ocean. Before his death in 1973, he wrote- “Companions, bury me in Isla Negra, / in front of the sea I know, to each wrinkled area of stones/ and to the waves that my lost eyes/ won’t go back to see...”

"Foto" Friday

Street Art at Sunset

Triple Confession Thursday

Three confessions for today...

1. I've been slacking on the blogging. Sorry! I will try to be better about this in the future. Life is moving along though. I went to a volunteer day with Rotarians, working on final papers for school, waiting for spring to be in full bloom, etc. Lots of good things to update this blog with later.

2. 60!!!! That is right 60! 60 what you might ask? 60 days til this girl is back in AZ. :)

3. Gandhi is changing my world.

Have a great Thursday!