Adios 2010

I'm supposed to be making guacamole and resting up for tonight, but I wanted to take this opportunity to post one more time before the year's end. 2010 was a big year, and as always, not all of the news was good. While I'm lucky enough to say that most of my family is happy and healthy, I send my thoughts and prayers to those in my family who aren't very healthy these days. The same holds true for my very close friends who recently experienced a devastating and tragic loss, I think of you both every day.

As for me personally, in 2010 I left a lot behind, moved to a new country, and got settled in to a new job and a new life. That being said, I have to say that I really like Santiago. Being here has really helped me to take one day at a time, give up control, focus on the present moment, and not worry so much about the future. I know some friends back home are anxiously awaiting a full report from my friend M. who leaves Chile tomorrow, but it's fun for me to be able to say that I don't really know what my future holds. Change is inevitable, and I think resistance to change only makes life more difficult. Looking back over the last couple years, I know that I never would have predicted that life would lead me on the path that it did, and I'm happy to be where I am.

I'm looking forward to what 2011 will bring, including some awesome travel opportunities coming up at the end of January into February, beginning with my first trip to the south of Chile. After that, I plan to go wherever LAN Chile will take me...
Happy New Year to everyone I love, to those who have made me feel so at home here in Chile, and to those of you who might stumble on my blog that I haven't met yet.

Celebrating the Miners

I haven't been here in Chile long, but one day I will look back at my blog and remember this historic day. I'll remember that I was here in Chile the day that the trapped miners were rescued, and that along with everyone else in Chile and around the world, I stayed up late watching each miner be rescued one by one. I heard the horns honking in celebration around Santiago as the last miner was rescued. I'll remember that I lived here in 2010, the year of the earthquake, the bicentennial, and the year that the trapped miners were rescued.
I'm truly impressed and amazed by the strength and patriotism of the people in this country.
Thanks to everyone back home who's been asking about the 33 miners since they were discovered on August 22nd. Please continue to keep the miners and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
Viva Chile!