To finish off our work with the Childrens home we took them bowling, and we went to a bowling centre that is super old and pretty naff, but it was great to be there with them. There were no other people in the place, and so we could have the whole place for the boys to go crazy and have fun! It worked out really well, and they all enjoyed it so so much. After that we could go back to the hogar and we had made a cake to eat with them, and we said our goodbyes. One thing I really like about Chileans (one of many things) is that they really appreciate the value of saying goodbye well. Many of the boys shared their thanks and experiences they had with us, and it was a very emotional time! I was expecting to just get the boot like we usually do! But it is good to be able to tell them how important they are to us before we go. I hope and pray that even if they forget our faces, that they will remember the time we shared with them, and that they will remember how loved they are.
For the last week going to the streets we planned a bit of a party for them. It was really great actually. We had clowns doing some funny things at the beginning, we had worship music, a drama a small preach, and time to pray together. It really was great fun, and an amazing night to finish on. Although I did not make such strong friends here as with the children, I have still seen changes in people, and seen how just being there has meant something to them. Just to hand out the food and drinks and to greet them, is more than many people do.
On our last Sunday in Chile (which is actually last sunday! Woah, feels like ages ago!) the youth of our church organised a special goodbye for us before we left, which was amazing. They created a video of our time here, and each said really lovely things. It again, was very emotional, and a difficult goodbye. There are many loved ones in that church
Arriving home, was... strange! A combination of being extremly tired and just leaving many good friends in Chile, meant that I was kind of just floating around for a day or so. I had some time to see my family, and some friends, but was very aware that I would be leaving again very shortly. It was a great couple of days, but there really were difficulties at first getting back into the british culture, which I still feel even to this day!
Then on Friday I left for Halesowen, and when I arrived, after a couple of hours I heard I would be heading to Warwick! So I am now living in Warwick (a little closer to home than Chile!). I am working in a very small anglican church, which is a little different to say the least! But it is very full of lovely people. It's funny how my world can just be turn right upside-down over the space of a week. But it gives me comfort to know that God is still the same. He has plans for me here in Warwick the same as he had plans for me in Chile, and this is just the next chapter! Bring it on!
I would really appreciate all your prayers in this time, trying to get my feet again!
Thank-you for all your love and support.
Emma xxxx
