Huge Aloe!

This is the biggest aloe vera plant I have seen so far in Chile, or anywhere! I found it one day when I was wondering the streets around our apartment! Now I try to walk by it whenever I go to the grocery store-it makes me smile! We had a great trip to the south of Chile; look for a lenghty post this weekend!

Doesn't it look like it could eat me?!?

Update on Grandma Gerry

For those of you who read this blog and don't already know, the surgery on Saturday went well. Brad's grandma did have a small stroke after the surgery, which is not surprising. The stroke did not seem to cause any lasting damage. She will be in intensive care for a few weeks so that she can be closely monitored. Thanks for all your prayers and concern.

Prayer Request

For all of you praying folk, we have a prayer request. On Monday, Brad´s grandma had an aneurysm and has been in the hospital since. On Saturday, she is having surgery to have the vein wrapped. The good news is that she has been able to visit with family and that the doctors found the problem. However, she has been having very bad headaches. Please pray for the surgery to go well and for all of Brad´s family, especially is grandpa. We really wish we could be with our family at this time. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!

Spring Is Here!

So I think I can post this entry without it getting cold again! We have had 5 whole days of sunshine and over 65 degree weather. I do believe spring has arrived!!!!

Aren´t Iris supposed to bloom in April? Not in the Southern Hemisphere!

Whenever I see purple iris, I think of my Mom! Enjoy!

Saying Hola y Adios!

So I realized I need to be sharing some of the unusual customs in Chile that differ from the United States. One item we´ve had to get used to is the greeting and goodbye kiss. This seems very European to me. When you see someone you know, you greet them with one kiss near the cheek. You don´t actually kiss each others cheek, but kiss the air. At first, I thought this was a little too personal, but now it seems less so. This cheek kissing is only done between women greeting women & men greeting women; men shake hands with each other! Also, when people say goodbye, Adios, is not the norm. Instead people more commonly say Ciao!

OTR!!!!

A few days ago we received the new CD from Over the Rhine. It is fantastic and once again Bergquist & Detweiler have out done themselves! I'm hoping since we pre-ordered the CD and had it sent to Chile, that maybe they'll consider coming to Chile for the Spring tour! Visit the website, OTR, and have a listen, especially if you are unfamiliar with this great duo!