Chilean Carino

I was walking Tania home from School yesterday when I realized how many of the little idiosyncrasies of Chilean life have become so familiar to us, and give me a little tinge of peacefulness and happiness. We went to cross the crosswalk of a major thoroughfare that comes through Maipu. Two other people, one crossing to the West, and the other to the East, recognized each other excitedly. There was an energy in the air of happiness connecting them as they walked towards each other. Instead of waving or doing the head 'hey what's up' thing, they met right in the middle of the street, gave each other a kiss on the cheek and then went on their way to school or work, or grocery shopping. Sometimes I feel so blessed by the little moments that God lets us witness and enjoy with those around us, even with complete strangers.