Crystal Osito

I just celebrated my 25th birthday. Chopped 12 inches off my hair, floated down the river with friends from all different parts of my journey, received a beautiful new bicycle, and an evening of Mexican food n fun! I wrote in January shortly after arriving to the United States, "that He leads, I follow. I just hope we don't sit still cuz this is one heck of a wild ride!" And just to update you I have yet to sit still! After 6 months of interpreting I realized I had to move on. I was miraculously hired as the bilingual patient advocate and business assistant at my dental office! Making $12,000 more a year..scrubs everyday..out by 1 on Fridays...a real blessing! So here's to another path on my wonderful adventure :) Today I awake to a note that a package awaits me at the post office. The lady hands me the box and says, "Wow! You must really be loved there!..you were just here last week sending a care package!!" I smile and read the name on the box. The edges of my smile point near the sky as I sit outside and reveal it's contents: --A huge coffee mug from Starbucks with Chile's landscape printed acrossed it! A mug I secretely swooned for each morning I walked from Ian's home to mine, stopping for my Americano and Carrot muffin. I picked up that mug countless times only to read the price code still completely unaffordable for my student-debted ass. --in the mug, was a Pen Drive..curious what could possibly be on there, I assume perhaps old digital pictures of all of the fun times. But to my surprise, I open the folder and two videos charm my heart of the whole family each taking camera time to wish me a Happy Birthday, wish me well, and beg for me to come back!! Los ninos, with kool aid mustaches "Feliz cumpleanos Tia Kendall" and Mona, Miguel, los Tios, Coa, and mi amor all singing Happy Birthday in spanish in the most heartfelt harmony!! Tears! --In a divine lil box from Swarovski resides the most extravagant gift of all. A genuine crystal pendant on leather chord in the shape of a little bear. This gift was hand picked by someone so dear to my heart, that realizes what this will mean. A man who calls me "Panda." Who, two years ago, climbed a mountain with me and thought my technique very similar to a panda (all fours, while growning, with my ass in the air). The name stuck and from that day everyone began to see it fit, his sister created me an adorable panda cake for my birthday in 2011, and him and i titled our lazy sunday afternoons as "Panda Cuddling" in the "Panda Cave." We represented the asian party last halloween: I, as a panda, him as a Kamakaze pilot!! All the memories, all the wonderful moments..represented in this beautiful crystal charm. He remembered my amazement in the last week we were together when we visited the mall in the city and there stood a huge Christmas tree decked completely in Swarovski crystals!! I exclaimed of it's beauty and commented on how I could never afford such luxury! I never could have imagined that nearly 9 months later he would gift me with such beauty such meaning. I wrote him a message today, "the incredibly beautiful crystal bear pendant now sits around my neck, holding my panda close to my heart, panda cuddling each and everyday." --two gift bags are enclosed. one from Coa and the boys, filled with gorgeous bohemian bangle bracelets! Totally my style and utterly perfect! The other, from Ian's mother, a woman who sheltered, fed, and loved on me, without limit..her gift to me-- a beautiful fashion scarf the color of my eyes, unraveled at the edges! Perfect for the arrival of fall! Dear Chile--After all the things we've been through, I miss all the things about you. Driving home from the post office, I couldn't stop smiling, my heart fluttering with joy! I drove through starbucks and ordered the infamous drink I sipped on nearly every Chilean morning. Free of charge, thanks to Kay for the birthday gift card :) The sun on my face, and the idea that the chapter I thought I was starting really just happens to be footnotes of the incredible story I am currently living. This time in the U.S. is wonderful and grand to be with friends and family, to make money, to grow as a person..but I realize my heart, my passion, my love, resides in Chile. I have come to terms with the necessary sacrifice...and continue to find happiness in each and everyday. Sipping on wine with gal pals, training for my half marathon, going on bike rides, spending time with my nephews, quality time with my parents, painting, bar league volleyball, traveling to see ol friends, and trying new things. I may not be promised a return to Chile, or even tomorrow's morning, but I am promised this breath and with each inhale I'll thank the Lord for the joy that He has blessed me with and the love He has surrounded by!