Life is Beautiful

Feb 20^th

Puerto Montt, Chile

Today was perfect. I went white water rafting in one of the most epic places I have ever been. Puerto Montt is so much like Idaho, Montana, Colorado….etc….you name it, but on steroids. Everywhere there are fields and cottages and in the distance, an active volcano with snow on top. The weather was crisp and what I would call an ideal day for water sport activity. At first, we thought we would not be able to go because several of the crew bailed on us at the last minute, but our amazing Human Resources manager, Mike, helped us get there no matter what. The van ride alone, which took an hour and a half, was really taking me back to my childhood. It was so scenic and serene. I just opened the window of the van and let the breeze hit my face. We popped open some snacks, and others some beer (haha in the states, not so legal) and we enjoyed our trip there. When we got there, it looked like an American campsite, only in Spanish. We all put on our wonder woman wet suits and were told the safety instructions by our very handsome Chilean guide ;) haa Jessica and I made sure to go with him because he knew how to save us in case of an emergency haha. We ended up splitting into 2 teams of 6 and one of 5. Of course, I was in the boat with 5. 3 tiny girls and 2 guys…..we were small, but we were mighty! We named our team Pisco Sours and shouted that every time we passed a rapid. We were the only raft with a team name (nerds I know haha) The first time the water hit my face, all I could do was giggle. I was so amazed by how the water felt. It really wasn’t that cold. I was surprised because 2 days ago we were in Antarctica! What? I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of this place. It really took me back to all those rafting trips I did with my family as a child. Of course, when I was young, I didn’t have to use a paddle ;)

As we were floating down the river peacefully, I had a real heart to heart with everyone in our raft including our guide. We were in one of the most incredible places in the world, doing something adventurous and getting paid for the day. The opportunities that I have been given in the past month and the places I have seen would take most people a lifetime to acquire. As we were looking at the painted, picturesque views, I really took it in. I was with people from every culture, in a new place. There is no excuse in life not to do what you love. Our raft guide does this for a living….and only that. If you love to travel, then so be it! Travel! It’s just too short of a life not to love it. I know I don’t really have much room to speak, since I have always loved my work, but having this job in particular has made me realize that I don’t want to spend one day of my life not fully engaged in the people around me and my surroundings. I also thought about how in America, I was stuck in my phone, and on facebook. Here, I have had little to no time to be anywhere else but where I am. Does that make sense? I can’t hide behind my phone. I can’t make relationships solely on facebook. Every single person I have met here is a true relationship. I have not been hiding in my cabin; instead I have been meeting new people every day. Because of this experience right now in my life, I have learned that you should always do what you love and you should always embrace the people you are with in the moment.  I know it’s not anything new, but it’s truly a blessing to be able to experientially understand something I have always known and felt. And if I can be so bold to say it, I hope that you do what you love and maybe take some time to be adventurous. There is ALWAYS time to let go. Don’t let a day pass by without letting someone know that you love them or without truly embracing life. Ok, that is all J I’m off the wagon now haha  JBlessings to everyone at home