Today I sit here wondering how I am going to cram all the stuff in my apartment into my parents’ tiny crawl space for storage. In forty-six days I begin working as a volunteer for an orphanage in Santiago, Chile. It’s an odd feeling staring at all of the belongings I’ve collected over the last few years, dismissing them all as unnecessary or “has to go.”
I am off to a good start. I have already sold my couch, kitchen table, shelves, T.V., and today I sold my desk and office chair. Things are clearing out quite nicely. Everything that leaves my apartment is weight off my shoulders and one less thing I have to move back to Minnesota to mom and dad’s.
It is so hard to believe that I will be using Spanish as my main means of communication. I can’t wait to learn the language and soak up the culture. I’m sure my world will be rocked and jolted by the drastic change of scenery I am about to experience, going from corporate America to volunteer work with orphans. But my hope, and my, let’s call it my “educated guess” is that it will be a very positive shake for me. And after the recent natural disaster I’m crossing my fingers it’s more of an emotional shaking than a physical one.
Lindsey Chapman is currently a volunteer with VE Global, at Colegio Anakena. For more about her experiences, check out her blog.
Latest posts by Lindsey
- Planning a Fund Raiser - January 6th, 2011
- Book Review: The Road Less Traveled - December 14th, 2010
- Weekday Veg - December 6th, 2010
- A Perfect Circle - November 23rd, 2010
- Life is Good - November 16th, 2010
- Misión Cumplida Chile (Mission Accomplished Chile!) - November 3rd, 2010
- Life and Death - October 19th, 2010
- "Follow Your Bliss" - September 14th, 2010
- Day in the Life: Olympiadas At Anakena - September 3rd, 2010
- Recognizing Difference - August 27th, 2010
Lindsey,
Just found out Menards seminars are a week early this year. don’t know what we will do with out you.
my vote is stack cans and leave.
wish you the best
Chad
Hi Lindsey,
I just know this time of your life will prove to be so valuable to you for the rest of your life. Thanks for keeping us informed. My prayers go with you.
Caren
Hey Soul Sista! I miss having you and all your stuff at mom and dad’s with me! It does make me feel as though you are still home with me when some of your stuff is still there. I miss you so much already! Can’t wait to read more!
Oh, Sweet One . . . it will all be good. God is bigger and greater than all of this and we can’t wait to see what He has planned for your life. Dean and I are currently going through our own “natural disaster”. But you know what? I wouldn’t change a thing. Yes, I would prefer not to have to go through this “pain” and “learning” but if this is what it takes, it’s all worth it. To be a child of God to know that my hope and future lies within Him — I’ll do anything He asks of me — even this “pain”. Considering what some are going through, it’s no pain at all. They would change lives with me in a heartbeat. So, know that we love you more than life itself. We are praying you through. Nothing, can separate you from the love we have for you, and most certainly there is nothing that can separate you from the love that God has for you.
We love you, Dolly! Keep us posted on all of your adventures. You may be in another country, but you are right within our hearts — right here at home.
Blessings to you always,
Dean and Dawn
Great to hear you are in Chile and beginning your adventure of service!! Please take lots of pictures and maybe when you return you can have an evening of sharing with photos and experiences from your time in Chile
Blessings to you Lindsey ~ our prayers are with you!! Barbara and Bill