Last month we took a leave to go see Kemmel's dad who had been hospitalized in Chile where he lives. After two long flights(3 hours and 6 hours) separated by an overnight stay in Bogota due to cancelled flight, we arrived in Santiago about 10pm local time. Then we made our way to the bus station to take a midnight bus ride to Chillan where Kemmel's dad lives. We arrived at 0530 and were welcomed by Kemmel's brother Bobby and taken home where his stepmother Marcia fed us and we went to bed for a few hours.
Our time there was difficult as we were only permitted to visit during the one hour visiting time each day--one at a time. But the rest of our visit was good as we got to spend time with family there. We bundled up each day bracing ourselves for the winter cold which was a little more than expected, haha. We even made a couple of side trips to Santiago and Concepcion where we did some good urban hiking. In Concepcion we stayed at an AirBnB right next to the building that came down during their big earthquake several years ago--a little sobering!
But after a few weeks we had to pack up and come on home and get back to work. It was hard to leave knowing that Kemmel's dad has a long recovery ahead of him, but trusting in God to help him through it.
When we got back we were greeted with messages and phone calls and hugs from staff and patients and friends who had been praying and were glad to have us back. It felt good to be missed and we are so grateful for the hard working team we have here and the help from Sheri and Dr. Feliciano Lux who covered clinics for us.
We are also thankful for our supportive churches and Health Talents for giving us this time to be with family and put our minds at ease. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness.
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| Callie, Bobby, and Ron (Kemmel's brothers and niece) |
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| Midnight bus to Chillan--they take their buses seriously! Only $12 a ticket for a 5 hour trip. |
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| Fish Market in Chillan |
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| Downtown Santiago |
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| Love us some fried empanadas! This place in Concepcion had great shrimp and cheese ones. |
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| We visited the port town of Talcahuano. |
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| Sea lions taking over this boat! |
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| So many goodies in market--dried figs, raisins of several varieties, dried apricots and cherries. |
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| Bobby and his girl Javiera accompanying us on an urban hike one day. |
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| Notice I have on a parka and Kemmel in his light fleece! |
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| Planes, trains and automobiles! |
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| Downtown Santiago |
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| Downtown Santiago with a view of the snowy mountains in the background. |
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