Mission in Chiloé

We journeyed for twenty hours before arriving in Quellón, more precisely in Curanué, one of the extremities of the island. It was an adventure for me because I have never been further than Temuco and during this journey we stopped in Osorno, Puerto Montt and crossed the canal of Chacao by ferry. The crossing was very impressive as well as the quantity of cars, trucks and buses which embarked with us on the same ferry; we were facing the northern part of the island of Chiloé and the two coasts, the gulfs of Ancud and Corcovado. During the voyage, we got off the bus and walked about the ferry. It was apleasant day but there was a strong wind.

We arrived in Quellón, in a community called Curanué, where they were waiting for us. Each missionary was welcomed into a family. The following day, we immediately began the mission. We visited homes, organised Bible workshops with adults and others with children and young people and these continued throughout our stay. Chacun des missionnaires fut accueilli par une famille.
We had an afternoon of reflection on the beach and this was a wonderful moment of prayer and sharing the Word of God. We also participated in a vigil with another community called Auchac whom we had invited.
We were invited to take part in typical activities of the area, savour local dishes: chapalele, milcao, chochoca, cazuela chilota, roast lamb etc... Our host families organised le « curanto al hoyo ». This meal consists of mussels, sea food, beans, peas, sausages, smoked pork, chapalele, milcao and everything is cooked in a hole dug in the earth and lined with stones. What an abundant meal !
The evening before our return we made our evaluation on another island called Achao, which is two hours by bus and ferry from the capital of Chiloé (Castro). It is there that the oldest church on the island is found.

It was, for me, a very different mission. I much appreciated the people and I received a lot of affection from them. Emma