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Chile Update
Chile Date: Sunday 17th August 2003 Time: 09:36:39
UK Date: Sunday 17th August 2003 Time: 14:36:39 |
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They left at 2:10pm on a Holmeswood Coach on their way to Heathrow airport with just over 1 1/2 tonnes of luggage! This will take approximately 6 hours. |
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Chile Date: Sunday 17th August 2003 Time: 16:56:33
UK Date: Sunday 17th August 2003 Time: 21:56:33 |
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They arrived at Heathrow at around 8:00pm after a safe journey down with Holmeswood Coaches, and are about to board the aircraft, so are on time to take-off at 10:00pm. The flight will take them to Sao Paulo in around 11 hours. They then have a 4 1/2 hour wait in the airport before a 4 hour flight to Santiago, followed by a 2 hour coach ride to Vina Del Mar. |
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Chile Date: Monday 18th August 2003 Time: 18:40:41
UK Date: Monday 18th August 2003 Time: 23:40:41 |
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They arrive safely at about 11:15pm BST, and are just about to have their evening meal. |
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Chile Date: Tuesday 19th August 2003 Time: 20:56:10
UK Date: Wednesday 20th August 2003 Time: 01:56:10 |
The plane was delayed by about an hour. Once we were on board the cabin crew said that this was due to baggage loading. Not surprising the amount we had between us!
Despite our flight from Heathrow being delayed, this failed to make the wait at Sao Paulo any shorter, as our connecting flight was also delayed by 45 minutes.
The flight to Santiago passed quickly. (A doddle after almost 12 hours already under our belts)
An emotional reunion with Kirsty. Sue and Jer couldn’t wait to get through passport control to meet her and of course Conor was more pleased than anyone to see his big Sister!
Terry acted as our tour guide during the 1hr 30minute trip from Santiago to Vina del Mar. Both Valparaiso and Vina del Mar are much bigger than we expected, with multi-coloured shanty houses stretching as far as the Andes.
We arrived at the Convent and the bus couldn’t get close, so we had to lug all the cases about 50m downhill (can’t wait till we have to take them back again!) we were then faced with about 40 steps, to carry the luggage up, some of which weighs about 5st.
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Chile Date: Wednesday 20th August 2003 Time: 21:22:13
UK Date: Thursday 21st August 2003 Time: 02:22:13 |
After seeing the plans and progress of Glorias Nevalas this is our first viewing of the Church in reality. Words cannot express our emotions adequately enough. Many of us were moved to tears, we were welcomed with so much love and warmth.
This is one of the first jobs to be undertaken – removal of all the grit and dirt between the ceramic floor tiles. This photo looks a little like Burscough line dancing on your knees!
A shared cup of tea or coffee is a recognised, universal language. A time of relaxation; a time for sharing with one another. This is the Pastor’s house where we were overwhelmed with generosity, hospitality, warmth and fellowship.
This picture portrays a wider view of the shanty town which the Church will be seeking to reach out to. The level of poverty and simplistic lifestyles is extremely humbling.
Conor is such a joy to all of us. He is like a little magnet, he is loved and adored by us all. He is so much a part of this project and as you can see here he works just as hard as the rest of us.
Today is my birthday and certainly one to remember. A surprise party was arranged with balloons, wine, delicious pizza slices and Chilean Birthday cake with twisty candles. Everyone David Birch especially is trying to guess my age, but that’s my secret (ladies privilege)!
Jean
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The Church
Cleaning the floor
The work continues
Tea at the Pastors house
Conor doing his bit!
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Chile Date: Wednesday 20th August 2003 Time: 21:29:43
UK Date: Thursday 21st August 2003 Time: 02:29:43 |
My Personal Day, by Derek
Woke up 7am, slept well must get up early. Have quiet time for God after wash had a few minutes with Him. Thought of Olwen, Hannah, Adam and family on the other side of the World. Prayer time Brian recalled our send off from Burscough and to me at that moment was so emotional. Breakfast buns and apricot jam plus a treat of scrambled eggs with pieces of bacon and a bowl of exotic fruit. Good, had an apple. Bus arrives and off we go, on the race track, which are the roads. Welcome at Glorias Navales by ladies and jobs divided out. Worked on partition at side of house with Martin, and worked hard for the Lord.
David Birch organising well takes control and gets things done, Clive working on curtain poles, David Orritt on the Communion table and cross, seems to be a labour of love for him, everyone else just does what needs doing. Andy says he’s here to work, and that’s what he is doing. Tea break and lunch at Carmen’s the Pastor’s wife. Spaghetti Bolognese very nice and lemon jelly, back to work putting facia on house building partition for toilet. 2 Chilean men working painting and putting in shower cubicles, Neil and Brian went to a funeral which lasted two hours anyone who wanted to could speak, Jean, Shelia and Catherine stayed at retreat to make banner for church. Bus back to retreat back for Glorias Navarles, quite sedate speed, unless where getting use to the speed of the traffic. No water for wash or showers, when we get there. An hours wait then water back on.
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Chile Date: Thursday 21st August 2003 Time: 21:53:28
UK Date: Friday 22nd August 2003 Time: 02:53:28 |
A lie in for most of us on our “day off” i.e. an 8.20 breakfast. The skiers, however, were on their bus by 6:50 am but more from them later. All the party were looking forward to the Andes trip which was to include a three course lunch on the way up. We were taking 10 members of the Glorias Navales church who had never been snow before. This number grew to 15 by the time we left and 18 by the time we picked them up! The long journey to the Andes seamed shortened by the enthusiastic singing and teaching of both Chilean and English choruses.
Hick up over lunch. We weren’t booked in and the restaurant had no food. Our faith must have been on a low ebb as the packet of Rich Tea biscuits and tin of custard available didn’t stretch to 37 let alone 5000. Thankfully a local shop provided crisps, chocolate and biscuits.
The Andes were spectacular. An understatement if ever there was one. The company of our Chilean friends and their faces as they first experienced a snowball fight was amazing. Well worth `a three and half hour drive, including the hairpin bends, climbing to 9,500 feet. Probable spotting of condor to be confirmed in a later diary entry exited ornithologists amongst us.
We met up with the skiers (Duncan, Tom, Ewan, Dave C, Pete and Jennie) who were having a fantastic time. When we met them on their return at 8:30 pm they were very much more weary (and sunburnt).
As we write we are about to celebrate Pete’s amazing GCSE results. Well done Pete
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Chile Date: Friday 22nd August 2003 Time: 09:20:53
UK Date: Friday 22nd August 2003 Time: 14:20:53 |
Terry Barratt talking about the group:
The group are out of this world - they have made me proud to be a Christian and proud to be British - they are the pick of the pick: hard working, everything is done to excelence, good natured, team oriented, great humor, they have left our people full of admiration - they are a real Christian witness. |
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Chile Date: Sunday 24th August 2003 Time: 13:28:31
UK Date: Sunday 24th August 2003 Time: 18:28:31 |
Day started meeting, thought for the day God’s Creation.
Last day at the Convent we rushed to pack up cases OHP to go to Eleana our host. Packed the cutains , packed the tools, packed the soft drinks, rushed to the minibus, has the window glass been put in ready for these curtains. The small team went today, the journey was much easier. Arrived at Glorias, no glass in the windows! The glories workers had been there since 5am. David Birch started the roof, Derek fixed the neighbour’s bathroom, with a blanket for the door. Dave Orritt started planeing his communion table. 10:30 still no glass. Kirsty and Noelle began to put the hooks on the curtains and pleat the headings. Brian and Clive finished the curtain rails. At the same time the skirting boards were attached, the glazier started work, the welder was making the church gates. Everybody was working hard in all the noise and dust. Maritza, the builders wife was frantically checking everything. She asked Derek and Clive to Make a new table, which was impossible in the time. 5pm bus comes to take us to San Pedro, to meet our hosts. Clive, Brian and Noelle were taken to a fantastic apartment, at last for a hot shower. 8pm social at San Pedro, silly games, fellowship, testimony and raising talk, from Neil. At the end of this most people signed the Book of Life.
The Spanish and English team were exhausted and had worked brilliantly together.
God is definately working his purpose out here.
Noelle |
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Chile Date: Monday 25th August 2003 Time: 13:05:07
UK Date: Monday 25th August 2003 Time: 18:05:07 |
Quotes about the services we attended on Sunday at San Pedro and Glorias Navales.
Duncan
I will cherish the memory of the joy of the people of Glorias Navales, of their love for us and the big hugs we had together.
Ann
My memory of Gloria Navales was to share very personal things for prayer with the team there. The morning service in San Pedro was really moving, sharing communion together in an informal, relevant way. Whatever language we spoke we were all one body worshipping together.
Dave B
What struck me most was the casual approach to the service in San Pedro. The shear joy of the culmination of all the hard work was beautiful to see in the evening.
Terry
Fantastic, the place was packed, a solemn yet happy occasion. The Gospel was proclaimed, everyone left very encouraged and blessed. The church looked fabulous with a moving, significant exchange of banner and plaque.
Andy
Service at San Pedro; friendly atmosphere eminated from everyone. People were keen to thank us for our contributions. Most were confident we would come again.
Service at Glorias Navales; enthusiasm of congregation, charisma of Bishop of Santiago. Forceful zeal of pastor who preached with real feeling. Contribution of children who clearly played a part.
Brian Abraham
Both acts of worship highlighted the fact that cultural language differences are broken down as we experience the unity we have together as the body of Christ. On personal note, the sheer privilege of being invited to consecrate the bread and wine at the communion service.
Jennie
I had a family dinner, a typical Southern Chile dish in a massive pot with layers of meat and shellfish, called curanto. We sang Beatles songs on the way to the church. The morning service in San Pedro was relaxed and I really enjoyed the openness.
Dave Cosslett
The evening service at Glorias Navales was a different style to San Pedro. The whole church felt more like a community.
Pete
It was nice to see the church at Glorias Navales full of people appreciating all the work that had been put in.
Ewan
The services were more lively than ours. The congregations were very enthusiastic and I enjoyed the worship even if I couldn’t understand the words.
Brian Greenhalgh
San Pedro service was very moving and uplifting. There was a wonderful atmosphere and a real feeling of God being with us. Terry and Neil made a brilliant double act with Neil giving the sermon and Terry translating into Spanish.
Noelle
The afternoon service at Glorias Navales was uplifting and humbling to see and feel the reaction of the local people, especially those who had worked so hard. The Bishop’s persona crossed all language and cultural barriers. We were one in Spirit.
Neil
At the service it was lovely to be able to present all sorts of gifts from the congregation at St Johns. But I was not prepared and had to fight back tears when the congregation of Glorias Navales presented us with the plaque.
Sue
The church at Glorias was full of adults and so the children had there Sunday school on the street outside. What a statement to the community hearing the worship from inside and the children’s songs and games outside. What an honour to be there.
Derek
The thing that impressed me was that the children gave out the service sheets and notices at the door of San Pedro, not adults. Also at Glorias Navales the children pinned a little dove on us as we entered.
Dave O.
The hospitality and love displayed by all our Christian brothers and sisters throughout our time at Glorias was a very humbling experience. They are wonderful people and it was a privilege to play a part in the construction of their church. Yesterday wasa tremendous celebration to the lord, but very emotional in the knowledge that we would shortly be leaving.
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Chile Date: Monday 25th August 2003 Time: 19:01:35
UK Date: Tuesday 26th August 2003 Time: 00:01:35 |
Conor´s highlights so far are:
Playing in the snow with the children from Glorias (and Dave Birch) in the Andes.
The church in San Pedro, playing table tennis (standing on the table!)
Going to the zoo in Quilpe. We could hear the lions roaring at night from Ricardo and Rosemary´s house (where he was staying).
Seeing sealions and pelicans on the rocks in the sea at Vina. |
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Chile Date: Tuesday 26th August 2003 Time: 09:44:30
UK Date: Tuesday 26th August 2003 Time: 14:44:30 |
Left Vina Del mar after an interesting and challenging week. I was very touched as we left San Pedro, as my host family gave me a card, thanking me for visiting them. Our party has now grown by 3 Terri Panca and Mark. Had 1 ½ hr coach journey to Santiago Airport. Whilst waiting for the plane I was inspired by the views of the Andes. On the flight we got clear views of the Andes, then vast plain lands and then the river to Asuncion. The short coach ride through the city to out hotel showed a contrast to Chile. Signs of more poverty and more extreme wealth. Had a typical Paraguayan meal with the Bishop and members of the church. We were entertained by a Folk music group containing 2 guitars and a Paraguayan Harp. During the evening we found , that there were all ready a number of links in place with St Johns. After the meal the local Bishop gave a presentation of the churches work in Paraguay. We finished off the meeting in pray.
Martin |
Leaving San Pedro
Terri & Pancha
Santiago Airport
Hotel Chaco in Asuncion
Paraguayan Folk Group
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Chile Date: Tuesday 26th August 2003 Time: 21:43:48
UK Date: Wednesday 27th August 2003 Time: 02:43:48 |
We had to get up too early again, for a team meeting at 8:30am. The first one we have had for 4 days. We had a nice all you can eat breakfast. Left the hotel at 10am got on coach and had tour of Asuncion till lunch. Most of the group went shopping, but me, Tom and Mark managed to barter a 15 minute boat ride for £1.50. We saw one of the Paraguayan river navy boats. We all met up for an all you can eat lunch at “Sul Brasil”, a local restaurant. (we all had too much to eat) Then we drove to the airport and flew to Cuidad del Este airport. Followed by a bus journey across the border into Brazil and onto our hotel. When we arrived at the hotel, we all felt a bit under dressed as it looked quite posh. We had another all you can eat tea, which none of us managed to eat, as we were still full.
Pete |
View from Hotel Chaco, Paraguay
Building where independence from Spain was plotted
Who's the tallest?
Where did you get that hat?
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Chile Date: Thursday 28th August 2003 Time: 09:53:25
UK Date: Thursday 28th August 2003 Time: 14:53:25 |
“Today we touched the rainbow and experienced the other side”
At 8:30am we began the most awesome of days! Our first visit was to the Itaipu dam, one of the seven wonders of the modern world. An initial visit to the visitors centre, where Neil gave us the benefit of his civil engineering knowledge with detailed explanations of its construction and the technology involved in generating the power (he does have his uses sometimes) The dam signifies successful partnership working between two Latin American countries – Paraguay and Brazil. It generates a substantial amount of Brazil’s electricity and all of Paraguay’s. We saw the sheer scale of mans attempt to harness nature’s forces to benefit mankind.
A visit to an Artisans shop followed - 40 minutes was all it took to see a number of us part with money for those much sought after souvenirs.
Lunch time gave us our first tentative view of the falls. We ate in the restaurant on the edge of the Parana River - a successful whetting of appetites for the spectacle which was to follow.
A lighter moment after lunch was our encounter with one of the species of the National Park’s animals (furry ant eater type creatures). They followed us as we walked back to the coach. Their aim was to thieve food from us – no luck. (If we had encountered them in Burscough we would have run a mile or called Rentokil)
After lunch the Macuco Safari was our mission. A drive through rain forest, followed by a short walk to the river, again trough forest. Apprehension was growing. Those of us who were brave (Foolish) to want to do the white water rafting were kitted out and given an instructional talk.
We all got into the dinghy for an incredible high speed journey up river to the Iguaçu falls. We experienced the sheer force, energy and exhilaration of the second largest waterfall in the world. We journeyed right to the rainbow, were encircled by currents and mist, and got absolutely soaked – but it was worth it.
Then it was the white water rafting, 19 of us swapped over to two rafts for a ride through the rapids. Jean and the rest of the crew remained in the dingy that had now become our rescue craft! The rafting was an experience not to be missed – Indiana Jones had nothing on us! Eventually we reached dry land and dry clothes.
Time was now tight for us to reach the viewing point so see the falls at sunset. We made it! Words are hardly enough to express the emotions felt by us all at this time. The absolute beauty, inspiration, force and sheer magnitude of God’s creation was all around us. As we sang “All Heaven Declares” on the platform amidst the falls the true awesomeness of this day encompassed us.
Indeed, AWESOME is the word which best sums up the day’s total experiences.
Sheila |
Itaipu Dam
Macuco Safari
White Water Rafting
The Falls
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Chile Date: Thursday 28th August 2003 Time: 22:23:07
UK Date: Friday 29th August 2003 Time: 03:23:07 |
Upon return from holiday one question always arises, what was the highlight? Every day is the highlight here.
Today began with our group meeting at the side of the swimming pool in warm sunshine. It was a time of sharing feelings and learning from Terri the background and initial history of the work of SAMS in the South American continent. There had been the chance of an extra lie-in as the coach was not picking us up until 11am. Just as well – some of us were late in bed last night and were still on the last minute for breakfast, weren’t we Jean.
Off to visit our fourth country, Argentina to experience the Iguazu Falls from the Argentinean side of the river. The area is within the 260 sq mile Parque National Iguazu. Not much hope of seeing a large percentage of the park in one day! However, we were blessed by experiencing so many different aspects of the natural world; abundant bird life, the Black Vulture is as common as a Sparrow here and we saw over 70 together; 3 species of Toucan, Great Egret, a pair of Blue-Naped Chlorophonia and many other species the names of which I can’t spell. There are Butterflies and Dragonflies in abundance and a huge range of flowering plants and species of trees in a sub-tropical environment. Neil was looking forward to seeing a crocodile but they heard he was coming, and because it was winter they are not in open water.
Shortly after an excellent meal in the park for which we each paid the princely sum of £3.00 which included drinks, we saw a number of Cappachio monkeys (unsure of the spelling) also eating their lunch in the trees above us – theirs was bamboo shoots.
The majority of the day was spent on a series of short walks and train rides (with open carriages) to view the various waterfalls with in the totality of Iguazu. The highest of the various falls has a drop of 295ft and in the rainy season up to 229,500 cubic feet of water pass over the falls each second. The largest and most spectacular of these being the Devil’s Throat which we had viewed yesterday from the boat. To look down from the top of a waterfall and see rainbows below us is a majestic sight.
Iguazu is a unique place were despite the roar of the water and flying spray you can feel at peace and close to God in his creation.
David Orritt |
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Chile Date: Saturday 30th August 2003 Time: 12:37:57
UK Date: Saturday 30th August 2003 Time: 17:37:57 |
Travel by bus, travel by plane and a bit more travelling by bus, basically sums up the first half of the day. However on a positive note there were no problems on the journeys and the aeroplane food was really, really nice, (yes – the food factor had to come in somewhere).
There was a sad farewell to Terri and Pancha on the way to our final hotel. Without them this trip would most likely have been a lot less organised and certainly less informative. So we thank God for his blessing of sending them to help us with the Chile Challenge.
We also said goodbye, amongst many farewell hugs, to our good friend Mark, who has three weeks left in Chile, before returning to Bible College down south. Mark certainly proved he was “one of the kids” despite his ripe old age of 38 (I can say that now he’s not here) by out running both Pete and Ewan in a race at the airport. It was rather amusing. Good luck to you Mark in whatever you do.
Finally we reached our last hotel of the journey. Everyone collected their room keys, settled in a bit, then gathered by the bar (of course) for a welcome drink. This was my first experience of the well known Chilean drink “Pisco Sour”.
In the evening, a few of us decided to go and explore the local shops, the others stayed at the hotel for dinner. After a long but nice walk to the tube station (oh, how brave we were) we caught the tube to about the 8th station along were we met an English woman, who recommended going back to where we’d been 10 minutes before. I was very impressed with Duncan and his Spanish, how he managed to communicate with the ticket collector and buy 7 tickets, I’ll never know.
Pete and I spent a nice evening (ahh bless) sat on a bench outside, watching the after party of a Chilean Wedding. We were thinking of gate crashing, but decided against it in the end. The Bride looked beautiful in a fairly English style white dress and the groom in a typical Chilean Suit of high trousers and bolero. They all seemed to be having a good time.
Finally I would just like to highlight two particular things amongst many others, which I have learned from the Chile Challenge Experience. The first is more a “puzzlement” to me. From seeing the Andes and the grandeur and beauty, and of course the astounding Iguaçu Falls. I just cannot understand how anyone can believe it all happened by chance, billions of years ago. To see the Falls working just how God designed them to, made my faith a hundred times stronger.
The second is how amazed I was to find the language doesn’t have to be a barrier. The main thoughts and worries I had when I first got into Carlos’s (My host Dad) car to go to his house and meet the family, were all based on “I hope they speak English”. How ignorant I was. It did help a little that they new a small amount of English, but after only one day, we had built up a special communication, an understanding which couldn’t be broken. Although I stayed with them only three nights I know I have made some firm friends for life, and leaving them on the last day was an emotional experience I’ll never forget.
Carlos (the son) used a phrase which I found really funny every time he said it in his Chilean accent, but it really does sum up the Chilean way of living, and I honestly believe we can learn from it.
“DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY!”
Jennie
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Chile Date: Sunday 31st August 2003 Time: 16:28:23
UK Date: Sunday 31st August 2003 Time: 21:28:23 |
After another safe and comfortable trip with Holmeswood Coaches from Heathrow, we arrived home at St John's at 7.30pm to a warm welcome from family and friends. What a great boost after a very long journey from Chile.
Thanks to everyone for their love, support and prayers. Knowing that we were held in your prayers gave us strength and encouragement.
Here's a final group photo of the team, family and friends.
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Chile Date: Sunday 31st August 2003 Time: 16:32:24
UK Date: Sunday 31st August 2003 Time: 21:32:24 |
So that's it. A great time, a new church building, lots of memories to treasure, photo's to show the grandchildren in years to come and back to normal life.
No!
The command of Jesus to go into all the world will always stand, and we must be ready to respond. Meeting needs with Jesus' love is what we were created to do, whether they be in Burscough, Skelmersdale, Glorias Navales or wherever He calls. At St. John's we are committed to helping our members to discover their gifts (M3) and to share their faith (M4).
I would like to say a really big thank you to all those who gave generously, prayed regularly and followed our progress on this web page. Your involvement has been essential.
To Terry and Pancha, thank you for making it all happen but most of all for just being you. May God continue to bless you so that you may be a blessing to many.
Those of us fortunate enough to come on this mission project have seen a vision become a reality, have worked and cried with new friends from a different culture, we have experienced the wonder of God's creation and discovered that the promise is true 'that in giving then you really do receive'.
To God be all the glory.
Neil
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