...gratitude...

I'm continuously finding that when the little things in life never cease to amaze, there is a lot to marvel at and be grateful for.

I found a quote today by Denis Waitley that sums it all up:

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude."

Couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks Denis.

Today was a special day at work - for the simple fact that I stayed an extra hour to sing songs and listen to my talented students jam on their guitars. I feel so blessed and grateful to be alive right now just beause of experiences like that where words aren't necessary - only goodwill and music.

The picture to the left is from yesterday, Tuesday, when IOM (my school) celebrated Día del Libro with music, dance and literature. This band was put together by the music teacher, Javier (on the far left) with some of the more musically talented seniors. Marcos, a junior, then stunned the crowd with his heart-wrenching violin solo.

These are some of my sixth grade students being VERY successful at making creepy faces. Haha, they never cease to amuse me.

My class at the institute also went really well this week. The two laughter-filled hours flew by and concluded with plans for one of the upcoming weeks to go out for sushi after class.

How blessed I am.

This weekend I am headed to La Serena, a coastal town about five hours north of Santiago. La Serena is the third oldest city in Chile after Santiago and Arica and boasts many buildings constructed from wood brought over from non other than Oregon state. The wood was used to counterweight the ships coming from the US before they were loaded with copper and other minerals in Coquimbo (a nearby port city).

I'm going with my two Kiwi friends who live downstairs. These New Zealanders are so much fun .. don't know if all are but man, these girls have a wicked sense of humor. Kristina's student, Gonzalo is leaving the country for awhile to work abroad and coincidentally, one of his friends also has a birthday right about now ... which calls for a big fiesta in La Serena. Ok by me!

This picture is from an asado (BBQ) at Gonzalo's house on Satuday night. Some of the same crew will be going to La Serena. Kristina is the one front and center clutching her wine glass and Gonzalo is the second from the left with the green shirt on.

Last Sunday, we rode a funicular up Cerro San Cristobal, which is a must see for any visitors to Santiago. Cerro San Cristobal boasts Santiago's largest public park, a 22 m statue of the Virgin Mary donated from France in the 1920's, the city's best mote con huesillo (a national drink) and spectacular views of the entire bustling valley. Many diehards ride their bicycles up the 5.2 km (about 3 miles) road so that they can cruise down at break-neck speeds. Kathryn and I are interested ... I promise I'll wear a helmet, Dad!

An upcoming post will be about my culinary experiences and adventures in Chile... get excited.