359 days

Those of you who have known me for sometime, have heard me say, "I'll be married by 24." These words were first resurrected at the age of 12 playing a innocent game of M.A.S.H. with bestie Amy Sue. Now with being engaged during 2010, one would have thought me prophetic. But having just rang in my 24th b-day, I notice no ring on this finger and zero desire to be Mrs._______ anytime soon.
I see facebook statuses with countdowns, "5 more days and I'll marry my best friend," planning festivities, "color of napkins decided. cakes tasted, and invitations folded," albums filled with baby's firsts...so many updates it's nearly nauseating. I quote myself from a recent conversation with a fellow-nomadic kindred spirit, "There are pleanty of married 8-5 people in this world...I want something more."
So, I'm 24 and the little girl inside me was promised marriage this year...so here are 359 days to find Mr. Forever. And well, I told myself in college that if marriage didn't come knocking on my door by 24, then I'd sell everything I own and join the New Friars movement (people living in slums to bring hope/education/life to the needy), or follow the Mother Teresa fans (healing the sick, loving the rejected, and praising the Lord). Funny, how I thought life was going to be...deadlines, plans, and expectations. One never knows where they are headed...life is sincerely just a big "connect-the-dots"...you must pass through each moment in order to create the beautiful image of life. My current boss once told me, "I believe that every moment of our lives was "meant to be" and that coincidences and choices make no difference. But it all makes up our grand story"
It's strange that when you think you are at your whit's end or that the next thing might just make or break you, when the clostraphobic pain of closing one door aches so much we worry there won't be another opened,we think this might just be "the most difficult decision I've ever had to make." naaaaa- it's nothing compared to the next decision you will have to make. When depression creeps in and you think there's no possible way of being lifted up outta this one...when your heart shatters into so many pieces you are SURE it can't be repaired this time...or when you think that mistake will forever haunt you.
Life goes on. You will smile again. You will love again. and that mistake will soon be forgotten.
How do I know? Life experience, pumpkin.

I just celebrated my 24th birthday. 4 cakes were made in my honor. 3 Feliz Cumpleanos sung in my name. and a lifetime record of people sending their love and best wishes my way. My friends from all walks of life gathered to celebrate...chilean and gringos alike...from utah, illinois, texas, wisconsin, canada, and the land of pisco, chile. ian's sister slaved over an incredible cake made just like a panda...angela created a delicious almuerzo and sacrificed her only ghiradelli brownie mix while hanging a KungFu Panda Feliz Cumpleanos sign in her home...ian's mother made my favorite asado aleman (meatloaf) with pure...i recovered from a night of partying atop the Andes Mountains in the company of good friends, laughing and enjoying eachother's company...I visited my family in La Cisterna, greeted by hugs and birthday candles, I felt right at home...showered with thoughtful gifts: a massage from the sheraton, boot spurs from the mackays, a little chest from rodrigo, a travel coffee mug from the fam, and a giftcertificate for a manicure and folder to collect guitar tabs from angela. My boss treated me to a fancy dinner in antofagasta and her and her husband called to sing me happy birthday, my mom sent me a special panda e-card and the funds to afford a camera worth capturing my happiness here!
The Lord works in mysterious ways, as he exchanges any bitter feelings I may have experienced about this place for hugs and laughter with good and kind people. The days are getting warmer and I awake everyday filled with joy...watching Pollo en Conserva, eating Huevos a la copa con Ian bear, and appreciating this place for being a part of my life..a part that will be so dear to me forever. I know that on my 25th birthday, I'll remember this era and I'll look back with a smile...grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to experience. experience culture. experience love. work experience. and personal development. I am a stronger and more mature since being in Chile. It has changed my worldview and the perspective in how I look at "obstacles" in life.

This is one of my birthday cards, it says,
"How Beautiful it is to be alive!"