Back in mid September, our family took a 5 day trip up to the city of Iquique (4 hours north of Antofagasta). We've been meaning to take the trip for a while and the opportunity presented itself the week after Chile's Independence Day (Sept 18th).
Instead of driving on the main freeway (Ruta 5) that goes inland quite a bit, we chose to take the coastal road up to Iquique. We were glad we did! Around each curve were more breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the desert.
Iquique (pop. 226,000) is more a tourist city than Antofagasta. 
Kristi's childhood MK friend, Steph Garcia, and her family live and serve in Iquique with ABWE. We stayed at their house and had a blast going to the zoo, the beach, a museum, and just playing with their children. The house was hopping with nine children running around!
The Spink family (Jon & Kim and 7 children) also live and serve in Iquique. We went to language school together in southern Texas for one semester. We were able to spend an afternoon with their family catching up after three years.
One afternoon, we were able to visit Hector (Chilean national pastor) and his family who are planting a church in a suburb of Iquique, called Alto Hospicio. We were able to get to know them, and the ministry that they are involved in there in that needy town. Hector and his wife, Hilda, do not get many visitors, so our time with them was special and needed. We plan to visit them again soon.
One our way home from Iquique, we stopped in a little town called, Tocapilla, to visit Dorka and her family. She is a pastor's daughter and a family friend. We wanted to encourage them with a short visit. They come to Antofagasta once a month, and would like to attend our Sunday Bible studies.
All in all, our family had an enjoyable mini-vacation. It was great to get away and spend time with ministry friends.
Click on the following links to view all photos from our trip: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, & Part Four
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