The Walk

Today was a day full of walking.  We began with taking the Metro which is the under/over ground subway here. It was pretty fun.  It sure gets you from one side to the other quickly.  We were trying to make it for the Changing of the Guards but caught the after parade which was pretty awesome to see.  Military we believe, some on horseback. Saw a gorgeous Catholic Church and looked at the street vendors art work, and played a bit.  We engorged in Eminadas which is a flaky pastry filled with cheese or meet.  Then it was on to the big shopping time.  We saw so many homemade items and got to get our families presents.
The best part of the day was bringing the nino's with us.  We had 7 of the children with us, seeing their own culture in a way they probably hadn't been exposed to yet.  We were in groups and each had at least one child.  They enjoyed being out, and especially eating the empinadas.  I (Vicki) had Carla and she helped me to figure out the money I owed for the items being bought.  I also had her reading to me any and all signs so we were working on her reading.  While shopping they were happy to walk around and see all the goodies and get ice cream with us after.

The parade after the changing of the guards

An artist at the Plaza

The famous Chilean Cole Miner
Living statue

Jorshua, Cony, Najelly, Carls, Juanito, and Constanza

Playing many clapping games

Cony

Carla and Constanza

We walked so very much on Saturday.  But we can't tell you how many miles.  My guess is at least 7 miles....

Sunday we went to Jack and Janine's Church, which actually meets in a building that is a Sushi Bar during the week.  We were packed in like sardines and enjoyed every minute of it.  The worship music consisted of songs we knew by heart so we could sing in English while they sang in Spanish and it was the most awesome thing to listen too.  Two cultures praising in voices that sounded so different but praised the same God using the same words.
Our teens performed a skit, one that brought tears to several eyes.  We are hoping they will perform it for you at MCC.  We enjoyed a lunch (once-pronounced own-say) out, then a visit to a Pentacostal Methodist Church, and then a shrine where a thief was killed by police and the people have 'sainted' him and they now pray to him and have made a wall in his honor.  It's all part of the culture.

We are safe and healthy.  Please continue to pray for rest and good communication between all.
We love and miss you.