The Beauty of Chile

As we spend our last few days in Chile I thought I would focus on the beauty we have found here. So much of our time in Concepcion has focused on the damage and recovery efforts following the 2010 earthquake and tsunami therefore, it was refreshing to see why Chileans love this country.

Our hosts today, Veronica and Carlos, a couple with German ancestry who are members of Congregation Martin Luther, led us to a beautiful beach where the Bio Bio River meets the Pacific Ocean. It was breathtaking to walk along the shore, feel the softness of the black sand on our feet and hear the sound of the crashing waves. Some of us climbed the rocks along the craggy shoreline and soaked in the sun as it began it's descent to the horizon. It was almost surreal as we sat there and had a traditional Chilean snack of 'cafe' or 'te' with bread and cheese while overlooking the ocean. "We are in Chile," I kept reminding myself. It struck me that even though we are very far from home, and that we and the Chileans are from very different places in the world, we are all one in Christ and one in the priesthood of all believers.....and that it the most beautiful thing of all!