Well, we have now come back to the base here in Pichilemu, Chile.  The summer tourists are now gone and the air is much colder than before, as winter is now on its way.  In some ways it feels a little strange to be back at the base - in some ways it seems incomplete.  So much has happened over the past 2 months, it is difficult to process it all and know what it all means.  But if nothing else, I have seen that opportunities abound for the work of God here in South America, at least in the countries of Peru and Chile. 

Looking back on it was really amazing how well we were received in Peru.  The people there were so receptive to our message.  At times we were treated like rock stars, children wanting us to sign our names and write down our email addresses on their notebooks.  Three different times we were in the local newspaper, one time a full 2-page write-up filled with pictures of us all with our face paint on.  We were on the radio, even on television.  And the people were so friendly, many times inviting us into their homes eager to learn more of the kingdom of God.  And some wonderful friendships were formed, even in that short time.  Words simply cannot express how great it feels to have someone thank you deeply for the heavenly gift that you brought to them, and to know that you made an eternal difference in their lives.  Some of the families that opened their homes to us, I know that I may never see them again.  But I will always treasure the memories of the precious fellowship that we shared and the rich blessing of the very presence of the Lord in our midst.  And I know that those encounters will change some of those people for ever.  There truly is no greater blessing than to be involved in the beautiful work of the Holy Spirit.  And with others, we know that the friendships formed are for a lifetime, as we share a real sense that God is going to give us opportunities to work together again in the near future. 

The last 10 days we were in Arica in the Northern part of Chile - the driest desert in the world.  The terrain up there really is quite eery, such a stark contrast from the other regions of Chile.  Outside of the city there is absolutely no life whatsoever, just hard red dirt and rocks as far as the eye can see.  You would have thought you were on Mars.  But the city of Arica is nice.  Like an oasis in the desert, Arica is a city with a lot of charm and character.  We stayed and worked with an Anglican Church, that is a new church plant.  The pastor and his wife are ex-WYAMers, and are now trying their hand at being pastors.  They are very nice, and the saints in the church very dear.  We did a lot of street evangelism, visited an orphanage and schools, worked with the local police program helping homeless kids, and held events down at the beach park in the evenings.  It was a very good time, and the church was very happy, encouraged, and blessed by our visit. 

We had our final reviews today with the director of the DTS and the leadership team.  Tommorow will be our graduation.  It is really is going to be sad saying goodbye to everbody on the team.  Some are staying behind and will continue with the school of counseling, and then will be leaders for the next DTS in September.  But the rest of us will be dispersed accross the earth as we return to our respective homelands and churches.  Just today it has really hit me that it is now over (the school), and it is proving to be very difficult to accept, as I really am going to miss everyone.  God really forged some special friendships on this DTS.  God continues to teach me the importance and value of true friendship and how to have relationships that shall never be broken.  These lessons have proven to be some of the most treasured experiences in my life. 

After the school I will do some traveling throughout the southern region of Chile, and then on to Argentina.  But prior to this I will be participating in a weekend seminar in LoMiranda on missionary work, and then going to a language school at the YWAM base in Santiago.  Only a few more weeks dear ones, and I will see you again soon! 

(I look forward to Damian and Big Greg's arrival in early April).

Keep the faith!

And be ready for His soon return!

Your brother,

-Axel