Chile Report

 We had a great time and some incredible ministry to the Chilean people.

We trained 23 Nationals in our class and we were truly touched by their heart for God and for the Children of Chile.  The training was both incredibly different because of the place and the country and yet it is was incredibly the same because the people have the same heart for God and for His children.

They asked many of the same questions and have many of the same fears as our trainees here in the states.  

There are already 4-5 camps running in Chile and some of these trainees will take over the existing camps while 3-4 others will be trying to start new camps around the country.  

It wont be easy to start new camps for them as fundraising is very different in that county.  But God has helped get the current 4-5 camps up and running so He can certainly do it again.

Our trip was successful but not without its moments.  Our trip there was supposed to be 3 flights and take 24 hours; instead it was 3 flights and 47 hours due to the planes mechanical problems and then rebooking problems, with a lot of stress and wondering if we were going to actually have our connecting flights etc.  

We didn't have any real health issues, Praise God, but life there is different.

It was in many ways a "Missions Trip" and we had to adjust to Chilean food (not too difficult, but different, lots of meat and potatoes) and even more crazy was the Chilean schedule.  Very laid back, "we'll get it when we get to it" type of thing.  They like to stay up late and continue talking and training but we were dead tired by 9 or 10 pm.  

They had the local camp and our training at a local school, it's their summer so the kids our on summer break.  Apparently it's common in the schools that toilet paper and even toilet seats seems to be optional equipment.  Carrying extra TP was easy enough but it's hard to pack an extra toilet seat around with you, so one learns to do without.

But loving people who enjoyed life and we enjoyed them.

Thanks for your prayers and support.  For me it will be a week that lasts a lifetime.

Jeff