Take Two Asprin and Call Me in the Morning

***Edit: We'll be in Mendoza, Argentina Thursday night-Saturday afternoon and I won't be bringing my laptop so that's why you probably won't be hearing from me until I get back. =) I'll hopefully have a lot to share when I get back, though (and the motivation to write about it), so check back for an update.

It's been a little over a week since the big earthquake caught our group and all of Chile off guard at 3:30 in the morning. This past week there have also been over 200 aftershocks and other earthquakes that keep us on our toes. Recently I read that there has been a new death toll that actually went from 800 to less than 400 so that's a praise, but I think because the tsunami that hit Chile's coast may have swept some people out to sea, it will continue to change.

It has been a rough week (though I should mention I picked the title just because it sounded funny, not actually an accurate description of how I feel) and things may start getting back to normal soon. I think being able to get involved a bit on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday definitely helped me and our group because I was restless and frustrated about not knowing what to do or how to get started helping.On Thursday we went to a boys home/orphanage (above) for a meet and greet because we had heard that they needed some help picking up a brick wall that was damaged because of the earthquake. (Picture below)On Friday Veronica had wanted to drop off some shirts to donate at the church we've been attending--La Vina (with a squiggly over the n)--but when we were greeted with "Oh good! More volunteers!" we decided to stay and help sort and box up donations. We made some friends and it felt good to do something.So Saturday morning most of us headed back to the orphanage and got to work on those bricks! We did a pretty good job too. It was also fun hanging out with some of the boys afterward. :)Saturday night we had a going away dinner for Alyssa who's going back to NCU late Sunday night/early Monday morning depending on how you look at it. We're all going to miss her and it was fun getting to know her.

On Tuesday night we're going to take the bus for Mendoza, Argentina! Not exactly sure how long we're staying there, Friday maybe? I think that'll be fun. We're going to stay in a hostel and I've never done that and we're not even sure which one yet. While we're gone my Chilean mom (who is actually from Mendoza, Argentina) is going to fly to the States to see her daughter and son-in-law. Also, President Pinera (with a squiggly over the n) will be taking office. When we get back I think some of us are hoping to go back to the orphanage and play with the kids again.
Thank you for your prayers and support! Dios le bendiga!