Chile. what did i learn?

So...by the time I finish writing this it will be December 10th. That is the day I was supposed to have left Chile had I been able to stay for that extra semester. God definitely knew what He was doing and I'm so happy to be where I am today; but it doesn't mean I'm not also sad sometimes because I miss Chile. I've been thinking about Chile an especially lot the last few days so I thought I'd share with you what I wrote in my journal in my first days back in the US. I had a lot of things running around in my brain at the time and I needed to sort through them all. It was a rough couple of weeks to say the least... One of my biggest concerns was loosing what I'd learned in that wonderful country. So I wrote down the biggest things. Here they are:

• No Pasa Nada & Ecclesiasties: most latino/Spanish cultures have a "no pasa nada" attitude. They're easy-going, go-with-the-flow, come-what-may people. They don't get overly worried or upset about many things. This is very Matt. 5. and also very Ecclesiasties. There is a time for everything. Also, nothing here is really that important--only things that are going to last forever in heaven. This attitude is great for lowering the blood pressure; putting full reliance on God; and living a happier, stress-free life! Coming back to the States, this new way of living is already awkwardly rubbing up against and being shoved out by the uptight North American way of life. 
• Self God confidence boost: not knowing the language, the culture, the way around the city, etc. but needing to live there anyway kind of forces you to put your confidence in God and step out in faith. Once I adopted the no pasa nada attitude, this was even easier to do--I don't really know where I'm going, I have no cell phone in case I get lost...mehhh...it'll be ok. It was fun to venture out and try things and watch God work it all out. 
• Besitos & warmth of culture: I LOVE THE KISS GREETING! It's so personal. At first I thought it was too personal and took away from romantic relationships. But it's so not!! I love that everybody is included. It's a rule. EVERYBODY MUST get both a hello and goodbye kiss. Even when there are 30 people in the room. I like that it personally acknowledges each person and puts them all on the same level. I also like that it's more personal than a handshake. It says, "I'm not afraid of you. I'm willing to be close to you. You are a person of worth." This is followed up by the rest of the culture as well. Everybody is so inclusive. Sure there's still those people who would be siting alone at the lunch table if they lived in the US, but there they are surrounded by friends and on every invite list. When they start to get awkward or annoying there are other ways to shut them down--such as just telling it like it is! "Shut up. You don't know what you're talking about." Since there is a base of acceptance there is little offence taken to blunt comments like these. Also, everyone is treated like family. They look out for each other and share with each other and accept strangers as brothers. Example: Offering each other rides or helping to find and pay for a bus after a group event. Example2: When the dad of the girlfriend of a friend of a friend of a friend bought us all drinks and invited me to go with them on vacation in the south. There is a deepness and a realness to these people that is so refreshing to be welcomed into. They're open; we're closed. 

• Politically aware, worker/lazy: They are much more aware of the world around them than we are. My best Chilean friend told me that we United Statesians think we're free but we're really not because we believe the lies of the media and live in fear. Chileans can appear lazy by being late everywhere they go and skipping work on rainy days, but other times they are so hardworking. Example: the toma. the people woring in the streets to make enough tips to buy food. I think they keep things in perspective. Work to live; don't live to work. Same goes for food. They're like an older generation that has already learned not to take life so seriously. They've learned that relationships (and God for those who know Him) are what matter. They don't waste their time complaining or worrying about stupid little things. They also know how to have a good time not doing anything ;) When hanging out with Chileans, we would take silly pictures for HOURS, just walk and talk, sing karioki, etc. and have a blast doing it! Whereas hanging out with gringos was generally dull unless we had something more entertaining to focus on. 
• Fear of man: God really pointed out that I live in fear of man rather than fear of Him. He showed me by pointing out how different I was in that culture than my own. Why did I change so quickly? Partly because their way of life resonates better with my Spirit, but more so because I strive to please whoever is around me. In coming back I already feel like I'm changing back. I'm trying to fight against it because I like the Chilean Rachel and the important lessons I learned there. But the cultural pull is SO STRONG. It's hard to be in the world and not of it. 
• Bars: Something that was actually really fun for me was going to the bars with my best Chilean friend and his buddies. We had some of the best conversations there that did carry over to other more sober days--not that we were drunk, that was just a joke. Chileans don't party hard like gringos tend to do. It was a new experience for me that I was somewhat uncomfortable with at first but that I grew to really appreciate and enjoy and use to talk about God. Don't get me wrong, you shouldn't need alcohol in your system to talk about God, but there is a place for it. Sometimes you have to meet people on their level, on their turf. In general, I loved discussing things with this best friend of mine, such as the existence of God, life after death, existentialism, good versus evil, human nature, etc. He actually taught me so much because he is one of those people whose actions are more godly than most, but who denies the existence of God. Without God, what reason is there to be kind to those who are jerks to you? Why would you be a good Samaritan without God having called you to it? How can you be so loving and compassionate without knowing God? My friend would tell you it's because it's the right thing to do and he hates that Christians only do it to please a God who's looking over their shoulder. ouch.