Gracias. Muchas gracias.

Pretty much every conversation that we have in Chile at some point we are asked “Why did you choose Chile? And why frutillar?” At first we start with we wanted to be in a Spanish speaking country, and wanted a beautiful place to adventure, and a country that feels safe and stable. But the real answer is our relationship with our friends Franco and Cata.

Franco and Cata are Chileano. We originally met them, over 15 year ago, when we were all living in Boulder Colorado. Seth and Franco worked together for a company doing renewable energy work throughout Latin America. And when we began our search over a year ago on where we would spend our sabbatical Franco and Cata encouraged us to come and come close. They helped us locate a school for our kids. They helped us find a place to rent. And as we arrived they wrapped us right into their family and friends. A cascade of connection and love. We owe them so much gratitude!

Life is not about the things we do, the stuff we have, but really about love and connections. The people and the community we surround ourselves with is really what defines our lives. We have the great fortune to see this come alive at Belknap again and again. Boys from across the US and world connect for a short two weeks each summer and years and decades later they are still connected. As Directors we are fortunate to get the updates of them working together, connecting over family celebrations or showing up in times of need.

We had the opportunity to adventure with Franco, Cata and their 3 children to a refugio in a Chilean National Preseve - Tagua Tagua. The waterfalls were crazy and exuberating. The spanglish card games in the hut brought great laughter. But the friendship is beyond words.

Gracias, Muchas Gracias for the friendship!