Small Moments and Simple Gifts

It is the simplest moments that I have found myself most grateful for recently.

For being a major metropolitan area, Santiago does a pretty good job of having green areas. It reminds me a bit of Savannah, GA, where there are green little squares of trees and park benches in the middle of a concrete jungle.

We live in a section of the city that is on the very edge, so we get even more glimpses of the "campo," or country, especially in the house we live in now.  There are various plazas or parques throughout the streets and neighborhoods, all containing different types of playground equipment and the bigger ones with a concrete baby soccer field next to it.

We try to get out of the house and into one of these parks every day at some point.  When it's the morning, we get to chase the garbage truck or enjoy the tranquility before the city workers and students fill the streets on their way home. We look for gatos, camiones, and on a good day will even spot a caballo. We don't have to look for perros because they are everywhere.

A late afternoon ride has perks of its own.  There are consistent friends that await us as their mamás and papás come to buy their bread for once/dinner that night.  There are kids to play with, moms to chat with, and always soccer to watch. The autumn air is crisp and the sunset is beautiful.

In the midst of this concrete jungle, there is a warmth I have found by slowing down and bring present.  Slowing down and noticing.  Slowing down to smile and make myself available for interaction.

We manage to go to a new park two days in a row and the second evening one of the women asks "Are you new here?  We haven't seen you here before."  They are as warm as the bread they are waiting on.  I can't help but feel grateful for being seen in such a big city.

I greet the older gentlemen who is watering the grass.  He has been at the same park every morning and every afternoon since we have lived in this neighborhood, watering, raking, and greeting the faithful children and street dogs that roam the playground.  He was watering during all our play dates with a good friend and her three littles. He was watering every morning when I walked with my iPod and pregnant belly week after week, waiting for Makai to make his appearance. This morning he looks up and waves as Coen pulls up to park his bike at the usual bench, Makai bundled up in the Ergo with only his legs hanging out.  I am thankful for familiarity and kindness.

The garbage man with a gap in his smile gives a big wave to Coen as he waits expectantly on the side  of the street.  He knows that little red bike and his rider well. "Hooooola, compadre!"  Coen looks away bashfully, but as soon as that trucks turns the corner, he takes off on his bici in its pursuit. As happy as he is to see one of his plastic trucks in real life, I am even more overjoyed just watching him.

Thank you Lord for simple gifts - for park day and sunshine, for chasing after garbage trucks and fresh baked bread, for familiar smiles and slowing down.