garcias2chile

A Snapshot of Happiness

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:36:00 +0000

I love this picture.

It's nothing special by photographic standards, but to me it is a snapshot of happiness: a beautiful, sunshiney day; three healthy, happy children; one handsome, loving dad and husband; a cute shaggy dog that we met at the park; even some green grass which is nearly unheard of here in Iquique.

This particular little park is hidden away in a block of extremely huge, nice homes not far from where we live and is always well-kept and nearly deserted (I think because the people who live in the extremely huge, nice homes don't need it since they have their own indoor swimming pools and gated yards, from what we have observed.) So we enjoy it instead, and it has become a pleasant retreat on those days when we need to get three busy children out of the house to run off a little steam.

Sometimes Pedro and I sit on a bench in the shade of a tree and I just watch and listen to the laughter and play of my children and wonder at how blessed I am. Lately it is always with a touch of melancholy because as fulfilled as these three make me, I know there are two who are missing out on the fun and it seems as though the waiting for their homecoming will never end. It is hard.

But in the meantime, I am thankful. Thankful for our little family and the love we share. Thankful that even though we are far from our extended family during this special time of year, we are close to one another. Thankful for the simple joys of sunny days and parks to play in. Thankful for each of my children, so very unique and special. Thankful for my husband, who is just the best husband and daddy ever. And thankful, so thankful, for the Giver of all good gifts who makes all this joy possible!

A Hop Around The Harbor

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:31:00 +0000

Last Tuesday the kids enjoyed a day off of school and on a whim, we headed to the harbor to look at sea lions. Unfortunately when we arrived at the dock where the sea lions usually sun themselves, they had all headed out to play! Instead, we decided to take the kids on an hour-long boat ride around the harbor. The girls and I had done this once before, but it was a first for Owen and Daddy.

Because the boat sits and waits for passengers, the novelty soon wore off for three antsy kiddos. Owen was ready to quit before the engines were even started! But once we took off he was content for quite a while, gazing down at the blue water and especially intrigued by the jelly fishes and Humboldt penguins floating by. As we drifted, a guide shared stories about the heroic exploits of Captain Arturo Prat in the Battle of Iquique during the War of the Pacific.

Surprisingly, he was quite knowledgeable about this history and very passionate about it as well. It was fascinating to learn details about the lives of the protagonists of this battle, including the fact that one Peruvian admiral was identified only by the remains of his one leg with hand-sewn initials on his woolen stocking. That leg was carried in state in a box of precious wood and silver to receive a funeral with honors, and later laid to rest in the mausoleum of a Chilean admiral who happened to be a brother-in-law. The two had married Peruvian sisters yet fought on opposite sides of the war.

Another story he told was of how many Peruvian soldiers drowned by leaping off their ship when it was boarded by the Chileans. When confronted by a Chilean commander (whose name I can't remember), those remaining begged not to have their throats slit. His response was something along the lines of, "You have not been captured by barbarians! Ours is a civilized nation." This reassurance saved the lives of many others who would have otherwise jumped to their deaths in fear.

These tidbits of historic fact were fascinating to me, but in the meantime all of our kids fell asleep! The way the tour goes, the boat first heads out to open water and specifically to the area where the battleship Esmeralda lies sunken under the sea. It isn't until the final turn that it passes the area where all the sea lions congregate, and by that time none of our children saw them. It was too bad, because there was even a cute little baby sea lion that they would have loved! The one redeeming factor was that when we did return to the dock, a big old crusty sea lion had returned to sun himself there.

He wasn't much for having his picture taken, but you can see how close Pedro and Owen were able to get to him. In fact, they could have walked right up to him if we had any reassurance that he was friendly! He was a funny-looking fellow and made us smile as we said our goodbyes to our tour guide "Samuel" and promised to return next time my dad is in town. Dad is a history buff and would love to hear his stories! (Right, Dad?) Samuel's one complaint to the group on our boat was that we did not ask enough questions or show enough pride in the history of "our" country so next time we had better come better prepared. :)

Not Just Your Average Fire Drill

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:55:00 +0000

I've been meaning to write a post on this topic for awhile, as it gives a glimpse into one of Iquique's unique characteristics. It is definitely one that could cause a mom to get quite nervous if she allowed herself to dwell on certain possibilities.

You see, among the many brand-new things my girls have had to learn in Chilean school this year have been two emergency drills. Not fire drills, mind you. (I don't know if they actually have a contingency plan for that.) But they do have contingency plans for the two emergencies most feared in this city: earthquakes and tsunamis.

Yep, there exists the distinct possibility that one day we may be shaken from our foundations and swallowed up by the sea. How lovely! Fortunately for my daughters' state of mind, they don't really understand what the drills are for and as long as they follow the safety instructions they are given I think that in this case, innocence may just be bliss.

For temblor (tremor) drills, as Isabel calls them, the children are summoned to the courtyard of the school where they are taught to crouch while covering their head with their arms. The second part of the drill involves all the children marching up the hill to a playground on higher ground, where presumably they are out of the danger of a tsunami.

(Personally I don't really understand how anyone can claim to know how far a tsunami would reach since we've never had one, but I like to believe that the people are right who say this playground - and our own house, for that matter - are high enough to be out of the danger zone.)

The girls actually think the drills are kind of fun, since they have the chance to leave the school property and take a sunny walk with friends. I'm glad they are learning important safety concepts. But most of all, I'm glad we can trust the One who controls the shaking of the shores and the swelling of the deep blue sea!

Pray for This Family

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:39:00 +0000

http://fourlittleladybugs.blogspot.com/

Another Sunday Morning

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:55:00 +0000

Eva, Isabel and Owen
12-13-09

Women's Ministry, Banquet 2009

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:36:00 +0000

Our women's ministry celebrated the end of the year with a banquet at El Viejo Clipper in downtown Iquique. We enjoyed a delicious dinner of stuffed avocado; rice with olives and slow-cooked beef with gravy; and three scoops of ice cream to slide it all down. Afterward, Debora shared an object lesson wrapped in Christmas gift wrap and highlighting the fruits of the Spirit that should be present in our hearts. We enjoyed a time of swapping small gifts and ended with high hopes for another great year of ministry in 2010!

Debora speaking about what is hidden in our hearts

ladies listening and enjoying the teaching time

final group photo of 2009

English Ministry, Graduation

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:57:00 +0000

This year, we launched a new English ministry based out of our church in Iquique. From April to November, students met twice weekly from 8-10 p.m. for conversational English classes taught on an introductory and an intermediate level. Pedro taught the former, and I taught the latter.

It was an exciting challenge and a learning experience for us as well as for our students. One week ago we celebrated "graduation" with a diploma and gift given to each one who completed the year's study. Several of the students shared a brief comment in English, and overall it seems as though the opportunity to study in this context was valued and appreciated. We're thankful for the privilege to be a part of the lives of these men and women this year!

Pedro with his student Jenny, holding her diploma

our youngest student, Francisca, smiles with diploma in hand

Benny discovered the value of English while visiting her daughter in Europe

knowing English is valuable to men like Antonio in the mining industry here

Pedro and I with my "prize pupils:" Antonio, Debora and Maria

Too Early

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:21:00 +0000

You've heard the refrain, "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise?" Well, I certainly hope it is true for Eva's sake!

Tuesday was a national holiday in Chile, and a morning that Pedro and I looked forward to with great eagerness because of the opportunity to sleep in for a change (even on Saturday mornings we have commitments starting fairly early, so sleeping in is a treat in our house - one that we will soon give up when the babies come home!)

Our children, unfortunately, did not join us in making the most of this wonderful opportunity. The night before, Eva was already excited about getting up early and watching cartoons in the morning. Isabel on the other hand, said she was looking forward to sleeping in. Apparently one sister influenced the other, however, because early Tuesday morning two little girls were at our bedside asking permission to get up - and it was only 5 AM! Needless to say, we were not too thrilled.

It is this quirk of Eva's that alternately amuses and frustrates us. We have a semi-strict rule that she is not supposed to get out of bed before 7 AM (and a very strict rule not to wake her brother and sister.) Recently she left us this handwritten note on our dresser:

Translated and edited, it says the following. We do have to give her points for persistence! :)

Mommy and Daddy, I love you. Well, I wake up at 8:00, 7:00, 6:00, or 5:00, or 4:00. Well, if I wake up at one of these numbers just say yes! By, Eva. I love you, Mommy and Daddy!

Happy Birthday, Ian

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:56:00 +0000

photo taken April 2009

Ian, you are two years old today and I would give anything to be able to spend your special day with you. Mommy and Daddy and Eva and Isabel and Owen are praying for you and singing Happy Birthday across the ocean. We miss you very, very much. God bless you, our precious son.

Girls & Dolls

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Recently the girls have rediscovered their love of baby dolls and as a result, of each other as well. Whereas usually the two are on opposite planets when it comes to how they spend their time, in this area they agree and have been enjoying many moments of happy togetherness.

Last night we drove to a walking area along the beach, where Eva and Isabel could stroll their babies to their hearts' content. We may have looked a little amusing to passerby, but it was worth it to hear their laughter and see the sparkle in their eyes! I wish they would never lose their childish innocent joy.

Christmas Family Photos (sans Jack Frost)

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Pedro wanted me to be sure and point out that "Jack Frost" is missing from Christmas in Iquique! Sometimes the lack of cold and snow makes us a bit sad, but on the other hand it is fun to be able to spend family time together out on the beach in the middle of December. :)

The other day Owen said it couldn't be Christmas without snow, which made us laugh because this will be his 5th Christmas and out of those five only the first was spent in cold weather! We're not sure where he got the idea but thought it was cute how he associated the two things (snow and Christmas) anyway.

Beautiful Girls

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:21:00 +0000

Not long ago I was looking through a photo album from when the girls were around two and three years old. I loved the many pictures of them playing and laughing together, holding hands and hugging each other. It made me feel a little nostalgic as I realized they have grown into very different people and sometimes struggle to find that togetherness they used to share. So needless to say, this picture made my heart very happy! I love my two beautiful girls.

Handsome Boy

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:19:00 +0000

I love Owen's smile. It sparkles from his eyes and flashes across his entire face, making everyone around him smile, too! I only regret that he has lost his chubby baby cheeks, but as he grows taller and more slender he becomes more handsome every day.

Family Fun

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:14:00 +0000

We had a great time of family fun on Saturday night. Along the Costanera (coastal highway) there are inflatables set up every night to tempt children and their families to spend a few extra dollars, and we gave in to temptation on this particular occasion. The result was a couple of hours of the kids' running off steam and lots of smiles and laughter. Enjoy the pictures! :)

All good things must come to an end ...

Bungee Fun

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:10:00 +0000

As usual, Isabel was the bravest of the bunch and ready to try something new. She had a moment of initial panic, but then enjoyed it so much that she paid her own money to try it again!

After watching his sister, Owen decided this might be fun after all. He was acting a little shy but was obviously pumped for the action. Pedro thought he looked like a little rag doll dangling so high in the sky ...

But that little "rag doll" did some pretty cool tricks once he got a feel for things! Check out this video:

Trampoline Fun

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:35:00 +0000

Inflatable Fun

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:48:00 +0000

Christmas Giveaway 2009

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:55:00 +0000

I'm participating in the Christmas Giveaway 2009 at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Care to join me??

Matrimonios Ministry, Banquet 2009

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:22:00 +0000

(photos by Jon Spink)

Our matrimonios ministry (previously mentioned here and here) celebrated its final event for 2009 this past Saturday, with a banquet held at the church and a viewing of the Christian movie Fireproof. It was a wonderful night, starting late and ending even later, but with much fun and laughter and good food and great friendships in between! Two ladies from church volunteered to be our cooks for the night and provided a delicious meal of pot roast, rice, salads, fresh bread and homemade pebre (a tomato and onion salsa.)

We are so thankful for the special couples we've had the privilege to work with this past year and the opportunities we've had to share with many of them even outside of this ministry. I daresay that for most of the couples, the monthly meeting was one of their only planned dates without children and a night which was carefully protected from other commitments. Often couples would invite their married friends or family members to participate as well, which encouraged us that this was truly a beneficial and enjoyable time for everyone.

Already we are looking forward to next year and what God has in store for this ministry! Please pray for us to be sensitive to His leading as we determine a theme that will be God-honoring and life-changing both for the matrimonios in our church and others who have yet to know the Lord.

Debora and Hugo

Cristian and Jocelyn

Jaime and Gladys

Pedro and Stephanie

Antonio and Maria

Jon and Kim

Monica and Jose

Hugo and Lilia

Manuel and Norma

Karina and Juan

Nidia and Hernan

Emilio and Maggie

Thanksgiving 2009, Part 2

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:07:00 +0000

Our second Thanksgiving celebration was with our missionary colleagues this past Monday. Jon and Kim Spink; Hugo and Debora Armijo; Pedro and I; and our collective thirteen children enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Spinks' home. Thanks to a recently purchased kiddie pool, we had plenty of time to enjoy adult conversation and fellowship while the kids splashed about! Each family contributed to the meal and it was delicious (click on pictures to view larger.)

Thanksgiving 2009, Part 1

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:41:00 +0000

While Thanksgiving is not a national holiday in Chile, within the missionary and ex-pat community celebrations still take place to commemorate this special day. This year, we had the privilege of celebrating Thanksgiving twice - though neither celebration was actually on Thanksgiving Day.

(photos by Jim Capo)

On Saturday, we enjoyed a meal and fellowship at the home of Aaron and Christina, who are here for two years on an exchange program with the Chilean Air Force in Iquique. Also present at our celebration were Mike and Becky, Aaron's parents; Lee and Cathy, a missionary couple with three children; Jim, an American who travels frequently to Chile; and another American military couple who are here for two years on an exchange program with the Chilean Army.

Between all of us we had nine children who greatly enjoyed each other's company and especially the playroom and the pool! We hadn't planned on having the kids swim, so they jumped in with clothes and all. It was a beautiful afternoon and we're thankful to have been invited to be a part of Saturday's celebration.

Honestly (Just for Fun)

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:30:00 +0000

I was reading Vanessa's blog one night about a month ago. She and I crossed paths in college as well as years later in Michigan. I enjoy reading her blog because she is amazingly artistic and talented in ways I could never dream of being (just take a look at the handmade items in her Etsy store) and because she too has experienced the joys of adoption.

To my surprise I realized that Vanessa had included my blog in her list of "Honest" blogs. Yikes! Basically that meant I was supposed to share ten honest things about me that my blog readers don't already know. Now most of my blog readers are family members, so that might be impossible, but anyway - just for fun - here goes:

1. I do NOT enjoy housework. (Surprise, ha!)

2. On the DISC personality profile, I am a high "S" (laid-back) followed by a high "D" (dominant.) In times of stress, the latter takes over. (Haitian adoption and Chilean paperwork, anyone??)

3. If I could take my family anywhere in the world right now, I think I would choose Curacao and Bonaire. We have special friends there and it looks like such a beautiful place!

4. I would love to own a home sometime soon. I would really love to own the home we are currently renting in Iquique.

5. I have many "friends" (840 on Facebook) but few truly intimate friends. I attribute this in part to growing up as an missionary kids (many places, many faces.) I cherish those who are true friends.

6. Someday I would like to record a cd.

7. I have always wanted to take ballroom dancing lessons with my husband.

8. Perhaps because of #7, one of my favorite romantic scenes is the final waltz in Disney's Enchanted. (Sappy and corny, I know!)

9. I wish I was a more fun and relaxed mom.

10. Marriage has made me a more secure person. I am more outgoing with the reassurance of my husband at my side than I was ever brave enough to be alone. I truly consider my husband my best friend.

National Adoption Month: Introducing, Part 5

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:28:00 +0000

The family I would like to introduce to you on this final day of National Adoption Month is one that started their adoption journey, as many of us do, with a diagnosis of infertility.

Prior to that diagnosis it may have seemed like there was all the time in the world to begin a family.

The wife had discovered great satisfaction in her work as an educator, working over the years as a bilingual teacher; a reading specialist; and finally as a college professor preparing others to be teachers of excellence. She had even taken groups of her students overseas to the school she attended as the daughter of missionaries, where the college students could acquire hands-on experience while she provided in-service training for the teachers and faculty.

However, her diagnosis sparked a yearning that wouldn't find fulfillment in all of her academic successes. Almost immediately, she and her husband considered adoption. When a private adoption opportunity fell through after having already met and spent time with a special little boy, they turned to the foster/adopt system in their state. In November of 2001 they welcomed brothers into their home. The boys were then 3 (almost 4) and 6 years old. Although they were placed with adoption as the goal, their case went into a prolonged court battle and resulted in two years of emotional uncertainty.

Thankfully, God answered many prayers and those two little boys became their forever sons. A couple of years later, God then surprised them with another little boy - this time through pregnancy! His arrival was followed by that of yet another son, making a beautiful family of four handsome boys and a mother who secretly longed for just one more gift: that of a daughter.

Terri's boys

Of course, I am writing about my own sister Terri. I have mentioned her adoption journey here before, when they first began almost 17 months ago. At this moment, their dossier is in Taiwan and they are simply waiting for the referral of a waiting child - a little girl they already love and have named Sophia.

I would like to ask for your prayers for Terri, her husband Dave, and their four boys as they wait during these long months of anticipation. They have invested much time and energy into efforts to fundraise for their adoption, selling lovely Chinese Christmas ornaments, hosting a large garage sale and printing beautiful cookbooks. Even so, adoption is very expensive and they are still waiting, working and trusting God for the provision of additional finances to bring Sophia home. Please pray that God will move mightily on their behalf and that they will be encouraged in special ways this Christmas season!

Annual PE Program

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 03:59:00 +0000

In the Chilean educational system, we learn something new every day.

The most recent thing we have learned is that it is typical for schools to hold an annual PE program; ie, an event at which each grade levels exhibits choreographed performances using skills they have been taught that year. Today was that day for our girls.

It was very interesting to watch the performances, which were energetic and varied. Some of the older grades used props such as colored flags and streamers. A younger grade used hula hoops and one class simply used floor mats to do a tumbling routine which was actually quite impressive for their age (3rd grade.)

As you'll see in the videos below, Isabel's class used army hats and handkerchiefs for their props, while Eva's class went all out on Jedi gear. I never thought I'd see my girly girl performing a Star Wars routine, but Owen assured me he knew all along that his sister could fight like a Jedi! :)

Probably the funniest part was watching his reaction as his sisters performed. If you pay close attention to minute 5:53 on Isabel's video, you will see just how psyched he was! We were really proud of the girls for how hard they worked on these programs. Afterwards Eva was in tears because she felt she'd done poorly, but we assured her that we loved watching her and she had done a fine job. Since the kids had never practiced in the rented gymnasium they used for the event, it was a little overwhelming and confusing for them in a new place.

Our girls are just a few weeks away from finishing their first full year in Chilean school, and they have both made tremendous strides. We are so thankful for their hard work and courage and thank God for them both!

PE Program - Eva

miesperanza3@hotmail.com (stephanie garcia) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 03:58:00 +0000