Interesting points to note: (maybe just one...)
Dang Literature class has 62 students in it. Woah there were not enough chairs for everyone.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thank you God.
You may not have what you want, but take a look around you and see just how B.L.E.S.S.E.D. you are.
Here are some blessings in my life:Sunsets: I can't resist a beautiful sunset. Its a problem. My Monday night grammar class has a beautiful view of the ocean and palm trees and with this comes a BEAUTIFUL sunset most Mondays. Try concentrating sometime in a room like that...its SO HARD. :) But it is so worth watching the sky errupt in colors, God's creativity bringing life and peace into the world by illuminating the sky with ORANGES, PURPLES, PINKS, YELLOWS, REDS, BLUES. Thank you God for las Puestas del Sol. I watched another tonight. The blue Pacific Ocean sparkled underneath the setting sun. Thank you God for beautiful sunsets and the opportunity to enjoy them in all circumstances-during times of work and times of rest and times of play.
New Friends: Thank you Lord for new friends. My Chilean friends and my ISA friends. They are such blessings. I'm thankful that I can spend time with these people- its like I've known them forever. The greatest gift is the lessons they teach me: like how to life (Chile is a gift) and love and laugh at myself. Though, I miss people from home, I'm glad I get to share this wonderful experience with these people. We laugh as we dance during Traditional Dances-with our crazy teacher and cry when we feel like our classes with Chileans will kill us or laugh when we remember our adventures and old friends from the Summer. Thank you God for friends and the opportunity to live with them.
I'm also thankful for this break. I honestly for once in my life am not running around like a crazy person trying to do EVERYTHING. I get to enjoy life. How cool is that? I'm still trying to figure out how to do it but I get to do it. I just hope I don't mess it up by filling it up. But I get to volunteer and walk and live. How cool is that?
I'm thankful for lessons, even if they suck.
I'm thankful for being remembered.
I'm thankful for patient people.
I'm thankful for this blessing God has given me.
I'm thankful for ISA. I was not having a good day today. It sucked actually. I fell down before leaving this morning because we have a rug that does not have rubber at the bottom of it. Needless to say, it moved and I went down. Then I couldn't dance one of the Cuecas in my Dance Class because I couldn't figure it out. Then I went to my Literature class and there is this crazy girl from ISA in the class who decided she wanted to complicate everything, the whole tutoring thing that ISA set up. Needless to say I was frustrated. BUT as soon as I sat down in the ISA office and started talking to the people that work there, I felt a ton better. The atmosphere is freeing. I can laugh with them and learn from them. I believe they have the best jobs in the world. They are so helpful and so nice. I'm so thankful I can go there and just let go. I'm not afraid to be myself or make mistakes or ask questions when I'm there. The atmosphere does not allow it. PLUS there is always some sort of Christian music playing-rare to see in a program BUT GREATLY APPRECIATED. So thankful...and they find answers right away or work to find them in a timely manner. <3
AND I'm thankful that my lit professor from the summer is going to be my Literatura Espanola 4 tutor!! :)
AND I'm thankful for interesting literature topics.
AND fresh fruit. AND almost spring. AND flowers. AND the smells of spring and the ocean. AND waves. AND family. AND walking. AND spending time with people. AND change (both $ and change!) AND playing UNO! AND volunteering. AND something I can't remember right now. AND WJTL. AND the ability to EXPERIENCE THE WORLD! AND the blessing to buy a ticket for HILLSONG! AND hugs. AND the metro. AND the ability to walk. AND education. AND PICTURES! AND letters. AND LIFE. thank you God.
Thank you God for your blessings and PLAN for my life. I may not know it now but I'm going to wait to see where life takes me. I think I've come to meet peace finally with that. You've shown me that I need to TRUST you because if I don't...I will fall down. (literally) woah. God you are amazing.
My life:
just had a beautiful reminder of something she's seemed to forget: God is amazing and this time she has in Chile is a gift, its time to enjoy it more fully. "Life is a dance towards God. The dance is not so graceful as we might want. While we glide and swing our practiced sway, God crowds our feet, bumps our toes, and scuffs our shoes. So we learn to dance with the One who made us..."
Monday, August 24, 2009
En las semanas (los dias) pasadas recien, me senti lejos de dios pero mi amiga dijo algo muy importante hoy...que esta experiencia es un regalo que yo necesito disfrutar con toda mi vida..."Vida es como una danza hacia Dios. Muchas veces este danza no es tan bonita como queremos. Pero Dios nos ayuda perfectar toda. En otras palabaras, ahora, aprendemos como bailar con nuestro creador."
Friday, August 21, 2009
I don't wanna go through the motions.
I should be doing one of two things right now, either sleeping or doing homework. Both of which are important and not given enough thought or effort everyday. However, instead, I am here writing in this blog because for once I feel moved to say something. When I feel moved to say something, there can be no stopping me.
I started another week of classes at Catolica. What a long week but yet a very short week. I've been here for two months and one week already...I cannot believe it. Two months ago I was at home with my friends--my world seemed organized and ordered. Then one month into being here, my world turned itself upside down. The world took one look at me and said, "here I am, come to me. Explore me. Forget security. I'm here. Come see all that I have to offer. SERVE HERE!" But where exactly am I to serve? I'm feeling torn and pulled in all directions. See, here's the deal: I'm a double major- El Ed and Spanish Ed. I could be content teaching in either area, but here's the kicker...I don't know if I want to settle for contentment when there is a whole world of possibilities waiting to be explored. I really wish money were not an option. I feel like now I'm stuck, here is why I am torn. I want to serve. I don't need a lot to live. But I feel like I can't follow my heart because here in reality there is something called: loans, bills, etc. The darkness of debt that will follow me for years to come. That's part of the reason I am really upset that Messiah is charging us almost $4000 more than ISA's price to be here in Chile to study abroad. FAIL. Messiah is so extremely expensive as it is and I have no idea how I will ever pay for it and live the life I am dreaming. I prefer living in the: you only get one shot at life, better life it well and have nothing hold you back: mode than in look at that bill. I really sometimes question whether I should be at Messiah. Though, I know how truly blessed I am to be there, there are so many great things about that school and I probably talk way too much about it here with my host family. I just can't stop missing it at times. But I can't help but wonder if the price is worth it in the end.
So to elaborate on the life I am dreaming, well I'm dreaming of living in the world. My goal is to leave some sort of mark, a footprint, something on each of the continents. I want to live largely and live for God everywhere. I can't sit still. I want to share my dreams with my family and friends, especially my parents, but I feel like I can't because every time I do my dad is like well you need a job, you need to make money, you can't just travel, get a secure job. And its not just him. Then I have the other end of the spectrum, Hillary, telling me just to do it. (probably because she is tired of hearing me talk about this stuff...I can't help it) What does all of this mean anyways? Where do I go? Yes, I have to trust God and his timing--but unfortunately, Messiah and bills have different, less flexible schedules to follow. If I can't find a job that lets me live in the world (meaning travel) for the rest of my life, then I at least want to take advantage of it now. I found out about an opportunity for next summer that I'm seriously considering. I haven't really told a lot of people about it yet because I'm afraid of how they'll react. I don't even know if it is reasonable or possible for me to do but it combines all of my interests: teaching, teaching english, traveling, living in other cultures, students, being on another continent, into one. Its a Christian Program called English Language Institute/China. Yes, I know...Here I go again. I can't help it. I didn't know when I was born that I'd get the travel bug. But I do know, that this experience, this opportunity, if I can figure out a way to do it, will definitely help me to decide what I want to do with my life. I just have to raise the support to do it.
I guess dreams become more real when you publicly post them for all to see or to criticize. I just had to get this stuff out. As much as I love Hillary and the people I talk to on Facebook and AIM sometimes that isn't enough. I really just need to sit down with someone and talk to them about life soon. I mean I do it but not enough. And I talked to Dra. Rodriguez briefly the other day through Skype and I've gotten really good advice from people like Profesora, but sometimes you just need someone to sit down and process it all with you. That's the stage I am in right now. The stage where I need encouragement, support, reality, and someone to listen to me. That's all.
Yes, this is a time to learn from. A time to grow. Its a test, I know it; that's the problem. I know the solutions and the answers, I just second guess myself and fail way too often. I know that God doesn't expect me to know it all right now. His test isn't about that. His test is about making me trust him. And seek his advice and guidance. I have to learn to listen to that still small voice, though I have no idea what it sounds like or where to find it. There was something profound that I wanted to say but now I can't for the life of me remember it. Oh well.
Anyways, I just need guidance right now.
What's been going on in my life otherwise?
It rained horribly on Tuesday. I don't like that much rain. I like to boycott it.
Wednesday I started my volunteer placement at the Jardin Infantil. I have to learn how to get out of the observer mode and help out. I made a lot of comparisons between childcare in Chile (renaca alta) vs. in the US. We'll see how it goes. I don't know if I can be a Tia. The day was full of travel, etc too. I walked to Sausulito for Children's Lit (25 min and a HUGE hill with a pretty view), 30 minute bus ride to Renaca Alta--Jardin Infantil esta aqui, 45-60 (not sure) bus ride to Valparaiso, 10 Metro Ride to Vina, 25 minute walk home. POR FIN!
Children's Literature on Wednesday- we spent the period creating Christmas carols and singing them. Very entertaining. I like this class a lot.
I also got to talk to Dra. Rodriguez like I mentioned. That was good. We tried skype but it kicked us off every thirty seconds, I gave in and called her office. We talked for awhile and she wrote a great email to my other advisor, Suzanne Fenell. I'm very grateful for that and very eager for a response. I learned that I'll have more than enough credits to finish too. And I even spoke some spanish with her, that made me feel proud.
One of these nights the earth moved a little bit. There was a temblor, which is like a tremor. Strange sensation.
Hillary and I walked around Vina today. I bought a bookbag which I learned had a stain on it. Fail. But at least it looks loved and it was only $8. I also bought a scarf :)
This evening I tried out another History class ( I was late because Hillary and I went to Jungle Juice, she does a very good job at trying to get me to skip my classes...). When I got to class and realized what we were doing (the TA was talking really fast and there were a lot of notes on the powerpoint), I started to laugh really hard to myself because THIS IS THE SAME CLASS I DROPPED WITH CHILEAN STUDENTS! The only differences are the teaching style and the fact that it is with International students once a week instead of two. Oh man. What an adventure. I'm glad I'm taking it though. It'll be interesting.
ISA is arranging tutoring the three of us ISA students that are in my Lit Class...that doesn't sound promising but I'm excited nevertheless, it'll be nice to have someone explain what's going on even though I'm following it sort of. The class is interesting.
My host family talked about music tonight...apparently my host dad like Beyonce...and my host mom likes African American singers. It took me forever to distinguish the names because their pronunciations were well to put it nicely...bad. OH well provided a good laugh.
Uno is now an addiction for many people.
And that's all I feel like thinking about now.
Thanks for reading.
I started another week of classes at Catolica. What a long week but yet a very short week. I've been here for two months and one week already...I cannot believe it. Two months ago I was at home with my friends--my world seemed organized and ordered. Then one month into being here, my world turned itself upside down. The world took one look at me and said, "here I am, come to me. Explore me. Forget security. I'm here. Come see all that I have to offer. SERVE HERE!" But where exactly am I to serve? I'm feeling torn and pulled in all directions. See, here's the deal: I'm a double major- El Ed and Spanish Ed. I could be content teaching in either area, but here's the kicker...I don't know if I want to settle for contentment when there is a whole world of possibilities waiting to be explored. I really wish money were not an option. I feel like now I'm stuck, here is why I am torn. I want to serve. I don't need a lot to live. But I feel like I can't follow my heart because here in reality there is something called: loans, bills, etc. The darkness of debt that will follow me for years to come. That's part of the reason I am really upset that Messiah is charging us almost $4000 more than ISA's price to be here in Chile to study abroad. FAIL. Messiah is so extremely expensive as it is and I have no idea how I will ever pay for it and live the life I am dreaming. I prefer living in the: you only get one shot at life, better life it well and have nothing hold you back: mode than in look at that bill. I really sometimes question whether I should be at Messiah. Though, I know how truly blessed I am to be there, there are so many great things about that school and I probably talk way too much about it here with my host family. I just can't stop missing it at times. But I can't help but wonder if the price is worth it in the end.
So to elaborate on the life I am dreaming, well I'm dreaming of living in the world. My goal is to leave some sort of mark, a footprint, something on each of the continents. I want to live largely and live for God everywhere. I can't sit still. I want to share my dreams with my family and friends, especially my parents, but I feel like I can't because every time I do my dad is like well you need a job, you need to make money, you can't just travel, get a secure job. And its not just him. Then I have the other end of the spectrum, Hillary, telling me just to do it. (probably because she is tired of hearing me talk about this stuff...I can't help it) What does all of this mean anyways? Where do I go? Yes, I have to trust God and his timing--but unfortunately, Messiah and bills have different, less flexible schedules to follow. If I can't find a job that lets me live in the world (meaning travel) for the rest of my life, then I at least want to take advantage of it now. I found out about an opportunity for next summer that I'm seriously considering. I haven't really told a lot of people about it yet because I'm afraid of how they'll react. I don't even know if it is reasonable or possible for me to do but it combines all of my interests: teaching, teaching english, traveling, living in other cultures, students, being on another continent, into one. Its a Christian Program called English Language Institute/China. Yes, I know...Here I go again. I can't help it. I didn't know when I was born that I'd get the travel bug. But I do know, that this experience, this opportunity, if I can figure out a way to do it, will definitely help me to decide what I want to do with my life. I just have to raise the support to do it.
I guess dreams become more real when you publicly post them for all to see or to criticize. I just had to get this stuff out. As much as I love Hillary and the people I talk to on Facebook and AIM sometimes that isn't enough. I really just need to sit down with someone and talk to them about life soon. I mean I do it but not enough. And I talked to Dra. Rodriguez briefly the other day through Skype and I've gotten really good advice from people like Profesora, but sometimes you just need someone to sit down and process it all with you. That's the stage I am in right now. The stage where I need encouragement, support, reality, and someone to listen to me. That's all.
Yes, this is a time to learn from. A time to grow. Its a test, I know it; that's the problem. I know the solutions and the answers, I just second guess myself and fail way too often. I know that God doesn't expect me to know it all right now. His test isn't about that. His test is about making me trust him. And seek his advice and guidance. I have to learn to listen to that still small voice, though I have no idea what it sounds like or where to find it. There was something profound that I wanted to say but now I can't for the life of me remember it. Oh well.
Anyways, I just need guidance right now.
What's been going on in my life otherwise?
It rained horribly on Tuesday. I don't like that much rain. I like to boycott it.
Wednesday I started my volunteer placement at the Jardin Infantil. I have to learn how to get out of the observer mode and help out. I made a lot of comparisons between childcare in Chile (renaca alta) vs. in the US. We'll see how it goes. I don't know if I can be a Tia. The day was full of travel, etc too. I walked to Sausulito for Children's Lit (25 min and a HUGE hill with a pretty view), 30 minute bus ride to Renaca Alta--Jardin Infantil esta aqui, 45-60 (not sure) bus ride to Valparaiso, 10 Metro Ride to Vina, 25 minute walk home. POR FIN!
Children's Literature on Wednesday- we spent the period creating Christmas carols and singing them. Very entertaining. I like this class a lot.
I also got to talk to Dra. Rodriguez like I mentioned. That was good. We tried skype but it kicked us off every thirty seconds, I gave in and called her office. We talked for awhile and she wrote a great email to my other advisor, Suzanne Fenell. I'm very grateful for that and very eager for a response. I learned that I'll have more than enough credits to finish too. And I even spoke some spanish with her, that made me feel proud.
One of these nights the earth moved a little bit. There was a temblor, which is like a tremor. Strange sensation.
Hillary and I walked around Vina today. I bought a bookbag which I learned had a stain on it. Fail. But at least it looks loved and it was only $8. I also bought a scarf :)
This evening I tried out another History class ( I was late because Hillary and I went to Jungle Juice, she does a very good job at trying to get me to skip my classes...). When I got to class and realized what we were doing (the TA was talking really fast and there were a lot of notes on the powerpoint), I started to laugh really hard to myself because THIS IS THE SAME CLASS I DROPPED WITH CHILEAN STUDENTS! The only differences are the teaching style and the fact that it is with International students once a week instead of two. Oh man. What an adventure. I'm glad I'm taking it though. It'll be interesting.
ISA is arranging tutoring the three of us ISA students that are in my Lit Class...that doesn't sound promising but I'm excited nevertheless, it'll be nice to have someone explain what's going on even though I'm following it sort of. The class is interesting.
My host family talked about music tonight...apparently my host dad like Beyonce...and my host mom likes African American singers. It took me forever to distinguish the names because their pronunciations were well to put it nicely...bad. OH well provided a good laugh.
Uno is now an addiction for many people.
And that's all I feel like thinking about now.
Thanks for reading.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
I lift my eyes unto the hills, where does my help come from?
From You.
Your grace has found me just as I am, empty handed but alive in your hands.
And though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm.
Blessed be your name.
Let me know that you hear me, let me know that you love me...let that be enough.
In your presence is where I want to stay.
I'm praying for many things right now.
But in His presence is where I want to stand.
Its not about the things here, but its about the things above.
Today (after fighting with myself about whether or not to go to church) during my walk to church I felt a contentment. The sky was blue, the air was perfect, and the streets were calm. I didn't want to go to church at first, but something in me made my feet walk. I prayed while walking and felt myself grow taller. When I got to church, I felt myself surrounded by love-the love of my friends, the friends that I've known for such a short period of time, some for only a few short days-others for two short months. In that moment, I realized just how fast time flies and how it doesn't matter how long you've known someone for you to love them. My host mom tells me everyday that she loves me, and I often can't find the words to return the phrase because my definition of love is so limited. I don't want to forget how much I love my parents and use the same words with her, but I just realized that love knows no bounds. You can love multiple people on multiple levels. So why am I so reluctant to share my love with others, who are different than me or who aren't my real family or who drive me crazy or who I may very well fall into love with. God loves me freely so I should love them freely. (Hosea 14:4). Love knows no bounds. It is not limited by our definitions. By letting ourselves live freely in God's love we can love freely on Earth.
So during times of trial, frustration, and joy...search God's heart and you will find a contentment and love that transcends all pain. And remember to "love them freely."
Your grace has found me just as I am, empty handed but alive in your hands.
And though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm.
Blessed be your name.
Let me know that you hear me, let me know that you love me...let that be enough.
In your presence is where I want to stay.
I'm praying for many things right now.
But in His presence is where I want to stand.
Its not about the things here, but its about the things above.
Today (after fighting with myself about whether or not to go to church) during my walk to church I felt a contentment. The sky was blue, the air was perfect, and the streets were calm. I didn't want to go to church at first, but something in me made my feet walk. I prayed while walking and felt myself grow taller. When I got to church, I felt myself surrounded by love-the love of my friends, the friends that I've known for such a short period of time, some for only a few short days-others for two short months. In that moment, I realized just how fast time flies and how it doesn't matter how long you've known someone for you to love them. My host mom tells me everyday that she loves me, and I often can't find the words to return the phrase because my definition of love is so limited. I don't want to forget how much I love my parents and use the same words with her, but I just realized that love knows no bounds. You can love multiple people on multiple levels. So why am I so reluctant to share my love with others, who are different than me or who aren't my real family or who drive me crazy or who I may very well fall into love with. God loves me freely so I should love them freely. (Hosea 14:4). Love knows no bounds. It is not limited by our definitions. By letting ourselves live freely in God's love we can love freely on Earth.
So during times of trial, frustration, and joy...search God's heart and you will find a contentment and love that transcends all pain. And remember to "love them freely."
Friday, August 14, 2009
Exactly what the doctor called for...
Today was one of those days that made all of the stress from this week disappear.
I got an email from my advisor this morning that really helped me figure some things out: happy news, I may get credit from my favorite class-Children's Lit :D
Then I went to the Center of Vina and hung out with Elizabeth. We talked and shopped at the Artesenias. She is flying back to the US tonight...she was the last of the summer people here hanging around. It was kind of a sad moment for me to realize that she was headed home. But that's ok, I have more time to explore. I got to buy some really cute earrings today...that means I can buy more ;)
After saying goodbye I hung out with Felipe for the afternoon. I really needed this. We ate Arabic food, manajar flavored desserts, talked, laughed, joked, and watched FireProof. He is a great guy to hang out with.
Now I'm being lazy.
My host mom is crazy :P She was dancing at Once tonight. Oh man.
So I'm learning a lot about life. Still.
My friends here have taught me that the best guys are the ones that love god more than anything in the world, that its ok to cry, laughter is wonderful, don't settle for anything less than what you deserve. The best things in life are worth waiting for. And that it is more about forming a friendships first. Finally, you shouldn't give up your passions.
Now if they could just teach me about figuring out my future.
Ugh and make Messiah not be dumb about things.
And make it possible to major in minors :P
"I will praise you in this storm."
I got an email from my advisor this morning that really helped me figure some things out: happy news, I may get credit from my favorite class-Children's Lit :D
Then I went to the Center of Vina and hung out with Elizabeth. We talked and shopped at the Artesenias. She is flying back to the US tonight...she was the last of the summer people here hanging around. It was kind of a sad moment for me to realize that she was headed home. But that's ok, I have more time to explore. I got to buy some really cute earrings today...that means I can buy more ;)
After saying goodbye I hung out with Felipe for the afternoon. I really needed this. We ate Arabic food, manajar flavored desserts, talked, laughed, joked, and watched FireProof. He is a great guy to hang out with.
Now I'm being lazy.
My host mom is crazy :P She was dancing at Once tonight. Oh man.
So I'm learning a lot about life. Still.
My friends here have taught me that the best guys are the ones that love god more than anything in the world, that its ok to cry, laughter is wonderful, don't settle for anything less than what you deserve. The best things in life are worth waiting for. And that it is more about forming a friendships first. Finally, you shouldn't give up your passions.
Now if they could just teach me about figuring out my future.
Ugh and make Messiah not be dumb about things.
And make it possible to major in minors :P
"I will praise you in this storm."
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Banana Milk Makes Life Sweet.
I'm in a semi productive feeling mood tonight so I thought that I would give it a shot and try to update this thing.
So much has happened (but then again not really) since I have updated this thing last.
Orientation at Catolica really wasn't worth it for Hillary and I since we had pretty much gone through it all during the summer. The highlights were meeting some students, feeling really smart because we could make decisions on our own, and having our visas finished. We also got cool planners and had a chance to watch people dance the Cueca- national dance of Chile. Oh yeah and we took a tour of the entire Catolica campus- which I learned is spread out through Vina and Valpo. My favorite campus is Sausulita. Its near a laguna in the hills. It is really pretty and reminds me of Messiah. I currently have my children's literature class there--unfortunately, however, I have to drop the class. We'll talk about that in more detail later in this post. But the history building isn't bad either. I mean I really don't like the massive stairway you must climb to get to the building but its alright. I'm definitely getting my exercise. Gimpert or RC isn't bad either, however, it reminds me of a high school. Its kind of old and old. Yeah old. Different than Messiah. I must admit though, the one room has a wonderous view of the ocean, it it absolutely beautiful when the sunsets. The palm trees, the water, the lights on the cerros, the pink and orange sky--no wonder I had some trouble concentrating in my grammar class. :) The gym, well it is like a wrestling room--that's where I have my dance class. All of my classes require me to walk a good bit, which I mean I don't mind as long as it isn't raining. But I can't hold my breath, we are still in the rainy season here in Chile, which I've been told has been unusually unrainy. :D
God is really teaching me a lot about life and living from my experiences, from Youth group, from my family, and from my friends especially--like the talks I've had with Hillary, Elizabeth, Kate, etc. I'm learning to direct my attention towards him, not to worry about the future, and that time will not make itself available to me, I have to make myself available to it. I'm learning to look deeper into things, I just have to make sure it doesn't keep me from pursuing my dreams because I should remember to go confidently in the direction of my dreams. I've learned though that I really have a passion for international students, teaching English as a second language, and traveling. So I really hope to find a job in the future that will let me incorporate all of these interests plus my love for different cultures, interaction, structure-but not routine, and networking all into one career. I really want to do some traveling when I graduate--and though I'm not completely sure right now, I'm really considering doing a year of service with a program through the ELCA--the main part of my church. Just a thought going through my head right now. I would really like to shadow someone in admissions and spend time talking to missionaries, professors, RDs, study abroad people, etc. to see how they got to where they were. Its like a project that I'm taking on. So far, I am really enjoying it, especially when I get to talk to people in ISA like Paula--I get to practice my spanish and talk about something I am passionate about. I think a job in admissions or with college students is where I'm leaning towards because I would really like to help students figure their lives out. I just want to get out into the world and serve all of it, not just one spot but the whole world. I have a goal to get to all of the continents (maybe not Antartica) at least once before I die. :)
What else? I took a trip to La Serena with two great friends after Orientation. :) It was a ton of fun and taught me that I can pack for a week (well ok 5 days) only using a backpack. We stayed at a cute hostal--kind of like a camp :) the rooms were fun and colorful. Every morning we ate bread and drank tea outside. The only downside was the uncomfortable beds and FREEEZING SHOWERS! Oh well. It was only $12 a night. La Serena itself was ok, I really enjoyed the tours in Valle Elqui and to Isla Damas and to the Observatory. We got to see so many cool towns, mountain views, a desert like area, a huge goregous dam, the stars!, the moon, dirt roads, nice people, little kids playing in a plaza (riding those motorized cars)--the plaza had music and a family feel to it: for once people were not staring at us!!, eat yummy food-fresh fish, empanadas, solar cooked food!, etc. The tour guides were informative too. Ohhhh and we got to see PENGUINS! REAL LIFE PENGUINS! And take a boat ride in the Pacific and ride through a cloud and see a lighthouse and see Gabriel Minestral's (SP?) school and a lighthouse and a $4 meal (cazuela, drink, and chicken/rice) and I tried Mote con something that I still can't remember and oh it was just so great. And we had great seats on the bus (top floor front row, full views, and then on the way back front row AND lots of space!) and oh just everything about the trip was fun. I mean at times it was difficult for me but it was worth it especially when we ate at Cafe Colonial-it reminded me of something I would go to with my family. I had a delicious pepperoni, mozarella, and veggie sandwich-delicious and perfect and then the next day I had an AMAZING hot chocolate with marshmallows- they didn't even charge me for it; I was able to substitute it instead of having tea or coffee, how cool is that!? And I had a huge omelete with huge toast and they played the best American music on the TV. It was just great. And a fun way to end the trip. I learned a lot about myself and just had fun with friends, talking laughing, and exploring. I took a ton of pictures too. :) Gymnastics on the beach was included as well ;) and SHOPPING!
So coming back to Vina was difficult because I didn't want to leave the greatness and spontenaity of La Serena.
I skipped my first class Wednesday to visit my Jardin Infantil through one of ISA's initiatives to show students what Vina and Chile is like outside of the touristy areas--I loved it. Really I mean I could feel the community and the love the kids had to share and it was in the hills- TREES AND GREEN HILLS EXIST! We got to meet the kids, see the Jardin--its a free Jardin, the parents pay nothing and the kids get everything they need including toothbrushes and little sinks to brush their teeth. They are full of life and energy there. :) They sing fun songs too, sometimes in English and the teachers are passionate. By the way, to the kids the teachers are Tias. I get to be a Tia :) After touring and posing for lots of pictures for the paper (by the way I was in El Mercurio de Valparaiso!!!!!!!!!!!) I'm famous, we had tea/coffee with the mayor of Vina. She was sweet, kind of like Kim Phipps!! Super nice. She had a crazy assistant guy that was obsessed with trying to speak English. Oh crazy man. I got to meet some cool girls there too from ISA. It was a good experience. I look forward to volunteering there more. However, I would like to volunteer with older student too so that I can try to get credit for my time from Messiah--if that will happen, I don't know if I stand a chance.
After that I went shopping-bought shoes, the guy treated me like I didn't know Spanish, which I obviously do...whatevs, I had my first class Wednesday night. It really wasn't anything. Our grammar prof just introduced the themes and a bit about the class. The end. Hillary and I ran errands and then went home.
Thurday was a random Catholic holiday--that means no classes. The first week and classes are already being cancelled. Oh my welcome to Chile. I think I just relaxed all day? I don't really remember. OH WAIT. Hillary and I went around and check out hotels because MY FAMILY IS COMING IN OCTOBER! :) I'm excited. It was fun. I got to practice my "spanish" some of the people were nice others not so much. But I found a cool hotel--one that my dad loved and it is right on the water. I'm staying with them. That really excites me. :) I'll figure out the class stuff later. I'm just glad they are coming. And it is cool because my grammar class is cancelled the week they are coming! How random!?
I don't think I really did anything else. Friday was laziness and hanging out with Hillary. I wasn't really feeling wellish. We had empanadas-the veggie kind in the cool juice place and I drank a ton of fresh juice-grape and orange! It was fresh--no sugar, por fin! It was tasty! Church was fun as well. We danced haha afterwards. I liked the message, I forget it though right now but it'll come back.
Saturday, I went to the Feria with my host mom. The reality of Chile. Its this huge farmer's type market with any fruit, fish, or vegetable you could ever want. And it is CHEAP. Definitely not sanitary though but full of color and life. I didn't like the closeness of them though and I realized how pushy my host mom is with other people. She knows what she wants and does everything in her power to get it. She liked going with me because since I'm gringa they called everything beautiful and tried to give her the best stuff. Oh my. I'm glad I could help? haha It was an adventure. I want to take pictures of it sometime. I've never seen someone buy so many fruits and vegetables at one time in my life. It would cost a million dollars in the US but here it is affordable and fun! Speaking of fruit..I have to eat my orange. I don't think I've eaten so many oranges or fruits in my life. But I'm definitely enjoying it. I met my host dad's sister. She has a huge rabbit, a turtle, and a dog oh and cats. She's pretty nice and cool. Reminds me of Aunt Linda in a lot of ways, speaking of her...I miss her!
After that Hillary and I went to Con Con with Paloma, Fran, and a guy that I can't remember his name. Haha it was fun. We took the Micro there. Ate delicious seafood empanadas (crab, shrimp, and some cheese) and then walked around the beach and took fun pictures. Fran kept saying bad words in English and we had to explain to her why she could not call her friend an Ass or why WTF was not a good phrase to use. She was sad about that and couldn't grasp how bad the things were. haha oh Chileans. After that Hillary and I went to the Centro de Vina and went to a cafe. I had hotchocolate :) and tea to warm up because I was FREEZING! I was apparently sick. But it was delicious. Then we waited for an hour for Katrina to show up and we went out for a bit near Journal. It was full of laughs and fun. Finally I went home and my mom had tea and bread waiting for me. Definitely appreciated that.
The next day after church (I was overwhelmed there because my host mom made sitting down more difficult than it had to be...) we ate artichokes. I don't know how they were cooked but we pulled the leaves off and ate them. I don't know if I have eaten that much food in my life for a long time. It was good but man I was full!!
Monday I officially started classes. 8:15 I had children's lit. I felt like I was in a middle school classroom. The girls wore pink, giggled, talked when the profesor was talking, had Hello Kitty/Strawberry shortcake notebooks, cupcake change purses, and gel pens. Oh man. I didn't think I would survive. I could bearly hear the Professor too. Luckily, I met this really cool girl at the end who helped me figure life out--well that class anyways. Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to drop the fun class because it won't count for anything and I want to make sure everything counts :( I'll miss my Chilean group there. They are fun and the class really is good even though its the same class I took in the US. I think Anita Voelker is definitely a better professor though!
After a long break and a rushed lunch during which my mom tried to talk too extremely fast while I was trying to eat, I walked to my history class. I thought I might die in class. First there are over 50 people in the class and the professor is monotone and really boring. He spent the entire period (1 hour and 30 minutes) really talking about NOTHING. He said the same thing over and over using different words each time...oh man I think if it continues like this I might die. I would really like to drop the class. But I dont' think there is anything else I can take in its place. Ugh fail. And to top it off the people in the class spend the entire time talking while he is talking. :( I don't know how classes work here but man they are frustrating. I still have to figure out how the evaluations work in this class.
Literature is going to be hard but I think that I'll really like the Professor. She is informative, uses a powerpoint, and the first book isn't too long and doesn't seem to bad. The funny thing about Chile is that here you don't buy the book--you go to the library, check it out, and PHOTOCOPY the entire thing. Yes, the entire thing. How crazy is that?!
Dance class will be entertaining. The teacher seems crazy. I had to dance with him haha that was interesting. We learned how to dance the Cueca from the North and Isla Pascua. And we played this crazy hugging game--I WON WITH RANDI haha. it was fun. We made a good team. It was interesting though, and another form of the disorganization here, no one was quite certain where the classroom was for this class and I got lost of course and was there too earlier but it worked in my benefit because the four of us that actually found where we were going learned the dances first and yeah it was good.
So that's life. Its crazy. I had a good talk with Paula yesterday when we visited the Jardin again. I got to talk in Spanish and learn more about her life and stuff. It made me proud that I could speak in Spanish and carry out a conversation.
Some aspects of life have been frustrating. The whole miscommunication thing with Messiah is getting really obnoxious and the miscommunication with Texas is too. It'll all work out eventually I guess.
Today Hillary and I spent money shopping because we can do that since we are in Chile. haha There was an entire section of a store that I fell in love with, I restrained myself however and only bought 3 shirts. :P It was good fun.
I'm still working out my schedule and life but yep.
Tomorrow its supposed to rain...boo.
But I get to sleep in!! Then I'm going to a concert tomorrow night with Hillary and Katrina because apparently it is El DIa de La Juventud in Vina (FREE CONCERT!) woot. So that works for me.
I'm still adjusting to my family here. Its good though at times. Yesterday I helped make lunch and Monday I watched a movie with Pablo. Oh and I walked with my host mom to get bread. Haha I'm trying. She made my favorite lunch yesterday (Spinach, ground beef, and alfredo sauce!) Its good. I also learned some of her "secrets." Like sometimes soup is just yesterday's lunch food processed HAHA Oh my. The things I saw...
But yeah I've spent way too much time on my computer the last few days and weeks. I should get our in the world.
Chao!
So much has happened (but then again not really) since I have updated this thing last.
Orientation at Catolica really wasn't worth it for Hillary and I since we had pretty much gone through it all during the summer. The highlights were meeting some students, feeling really smart because we could make decisions on our own, and having our visas finished. We also got cool planners and had a chance to watch people dance the Cueca- national dance of Chile. Oh yeah and we took a tour of the entire Catolica campus- which I learned is spread out through Vina and Valpo. My favorite campus is Sausulita. Its near a laguna in the hills. It is really pretty and reminds me of Messiah. I currently have my children's literature class there--unfortunately, however, I have to drop the class. We'll talk about that in more detail later in this post. But the history building isn't bad either. I mean I really don't like the massive stairway you must climb to get to the building but its alright. I'm definitely getting my exercise. Gimpert or RC isn't bad either, however, it reminds me of a high school. Its kind of old and old. Yeah old. Different than Messiah. I must admit though, the one room has a wonderous view of the ocean, it it absolutely beautiful when the sunsets. The palm trees, the water, the lights on the cerros, the pink and orange sky--no wonder I had some trouble concentrating in my grammar class. :) The gym, well it is like a wrestling room--that's where I have my dance class. All of my classes require me to walk a good bit, which I mean I don't mind as long as it isn't raining. But I can't hold my breath, we are still in the rainy season here in Chile, which I've been told has been unusually unrainy. :D
God is really teaching me a lot about life and living from my experiences, from Youth group, from my family, and from my friends especially--like the talks I've had with Hillary, Elizabeth, Kate, etc. I'm learning to direct my attention towards him, not to worry about the future, and that time will not make itself available to me, I have to make myself available to it. I'm learning to look deeper into things, I just have to make sure it doesn't keep me from pursuing my dreams because I should remember to go confidently in the direction of my dreams. I've learned though that I really have a passion for international students, teaching English as a second language, and traveling. So I really hope to find a job in the future that will let me incorporate all of these interests plus my love for different cultures, interaction, structure-but not routine, and networking all into one career. I really want to do some traveling when I graduate--and though I'm not completely sure right now, I'm really considering doing a year of service with a program through the ELCA--the main part of my church. Just a thought going through my head right now. I would really like to shadow someone in admissions and spend time talking to missionaries, professors, RDs, study abroad people, etc. to see how they got to where they were. Its like a project that I'm taking on. So far, I am really enjoying it, especially when I get to talk to people in ISA like Paula--I get to practice my spanish and talk about something I am passionate about. I think a job in admissions or with college students is where I'm leaning towards because I would really like to help students figure their lives out. I just want to get out into the world and serve all of it, not just one spot but the whole world. I have a goal to get to all of the continents (maybe not Antartica) at least once before I die. :)
What else? I took a trip to La Serena with two great friends after Orientation. :) It was a ton of fun and taught me that I can pack for a week (well ok 5 days) only using a backpack. We stayed at a cute hostal--kind of like a camp :) the rooms were fun and colorful. Every morning we ate bread and drank tea outside. The only downside was the uncomfortable beds and FREEEZING SHOWERS! Oh well. It was only $12 a night. La Serena itself was ok, I really enjoyed the tours in Valle Elqui and to Isla Damas and to the Observatory. We got to see so many cool towns, mountain views, a desert like area, a huge goregous dam, the stars!, the moon, dirt roads, nice people, little kids playing in a plaza (riding those motorized cars)--the plaza had music and a family feel to it: for once people were not staring at us!!, eat yummy food-fresh fish, empanadas, solar cooked food!, etc. The tour guides were informative too. Ohhhh and we got to see PENGUINS! REAL LIFE PENGUINS! And take a boat ride in the Pacific and ride through a cloud and see a lighthouse and see Gabriel Minestral's (SP?) school and a lighthouse and a $4 meal (cazuela, drink, and chicken/rice) and I tried Mote con something that I still can't remember and oh it was just so great. And we had great seats on the bus (top floor front row, full views, and then on the way back front row AND lots of space!) and oh just everything about the trip was fun. I mean at times it was difficult for me but it was worth it especially when we ate at Cafe Colonial-it reminded me of something I would go to with my family. I had a delicious pepperoni, mozarella, and veggie sandwich-delicious and perfect and then the next day I had an AMAZING hot chocolate with marshmallows- they didn't even charge me for it; I was able to substitute it instead of having tea or coffee, how cool is that!? And I had a huge omelete with huge toast and they played the best American music on the TV. It was just great. And a fun way to end the trip. I learned a lot about myself and just had fun with friends, talking laughing, and exploring. I took a ton of pictures too. :) Gymnastics on the beach was included as well ;) and SHOPPING!
So coming back to Vina was difficult because I didn't want to leave the greatness and spontenaity of La Serena.
I skipped my first class Wednesday to visit my Jardin Infantil through one of ISA's initiatives to show students what Vina and Chile is like outside of the touristy areas--I loved it. Really I mean I could feel the community and the love the kids had to share and it was in the hills- TREES AND GREEN HILLS EXIST! We got to meet the kids, see the Jardin--its a free Jardin, the parents pay nothing and the kids get everything they need including toothbrushes and little sinks to brush their teeth. They are full of life and energy there. :) They sing fun songs too, sometimes in English and the teachers are passionate. By the way, to the kids the teachers are Tias. I get to be a Tia :) After touring and posing for lots of pictures for the paper (by the way I was in El Mercurio de Valparaiso!!!!!!!!!!!) I'm famous, we had tea/coffee with the mayor of Vina. She was sweet, kind of like Kim Phipps!! Super nice. She had a crazy assistant guy that was obsessed with trying to speak English. Oh crazy man. I got to meet some cool girls there too from ISA. It was a good experience. I look forward to volunteering there more. However, I would like to volunteer with older student too so that I can try to get credit for my time from Messiah--if that will happen, I don't know if I stand a chance.
After that I went shopping-bought shoes, the guy treated me like I didn't know Spanish, which I obviously do...whatevs, I had my first class Wednesday night. It really wasn't anything. Our grammar prof just introduced the themes and a bit about the class. The end. Hillary and I ran errands and then went home.
Thurday was a random Catholic holiday--that means no classes. The first week and classes are already being cancelled. Oh my welcome to Chile. I think I just relaxed all day? I don't really remember. OH WAIT. Hillary and I went around and check out hotels because MY FAMILY IS COMING IN OCTOBER! :) I'm excited. It was fun. I got to practice my "spanish" some of the people were nice others not so much. But I found a cool hotel--one that my dad loved and it is right on the water. I'm staying with them. That really excites me. :) I'll figure out the class stuff later. I'm just glad they are coming. And it is cool because my grammar class is cancelled the week they are coming! How random!?
I don't think I really did anything else. Friday was laziness and hanging out with Hillary. I wasn't really feeling wellish. We had empanadas-the veggie kind in the cool juice place and I drank a ton of fresh juice-grape and orange! It was fresh--no sugar, por fin! It was tasty! Church was fun as well. We danced haha afterwards. I liked the message, I forget it though right now but it'll come back.
Saturday, I went to the Feria with my host mom. The reality of Chile. Its this huge farmer's type market with any fruit, fish, or vegetable you could ever want. And it is CHEAP. Definitely not sanitary though but full of color and life. I didn't like the closeness of them though and I realized how pushy my host mom is with other people. She knows what she wants and does everything in her power to get it. She liked going with me because since I'm gringa they called everything beautiful and tried to give her the best stuff. Oh my. I'm glad I could help? haha It was an adventure. I want to take pictures of it sometime. I've never seen someone buy so many fruits and vegetables at one time in my life. It would cost a million dollars in the US but here it is affordable and fun! Speaking of fruit..I have to eat my orange. I don't think I've eaten so many oranges or fruits in my life. But I'm definitely enjoying it. I met my host dad's sister. She has a huge rabbit, a turtle, and a dog oh and cats. She's pretty nice and cool. Reminds me of Aunt Linda in a lot of ways, speaking of her...I miss her!
After that Hillary and I went to Con Con with Paloma, Fran, and a guy that I can't remember his name. Haha it was fun. We took the Micro there. Ate delicious seafood empanadas (crab, shrimp, and some cheese) and then walked around the beach and took fun pictures. Fran kept saying bad words in English and we had to explain to her why she could not call her friend an Ass or why WTF was not a good phrase to use. She was sad about that and couldn't grasp how bad the things were. haha oh Chileans. After that Hillary and I went to the Centro de Vina and went to a cafe. I had hotchocolate :) and tea to warm up because I was FREEZING! I was apparently sick. But it was delicious. Then we waited for an hour for Katrina to show up and we went out for a bit near Journal. It was full of laughs and fun. Finally I went home and my mom had tea and bread waiting for me. Definitely appreciated that.
The next day after church (I was overwhelmed there because my host mom made sitting down more difficult than it had to be...) we ate artichokes. I don't know how they were cooked but we pulled the leaves off and ate them. I don't know if I have eaten that much food in my life for a long time. It was good but man I was full!!
Monday I officially started classes. 8:15 I had children's lit. I felt like I was in a middle school classroom. The girls wore pink, giggled, talked when the profesor was talking, had Hello Kitty/Strawberry shortcake notebooks, cupcake change purses, and gel pens. Oh man. I didn't think I would survive. I could bearly hear the Professor too. Luckily, I met this really cool girl at the end who helped me figure life out--well that class anyways. Unfortunately, I think I'm going to have to drop the fun class because it won't count for anything and I want to make sure everything counts :( I'll miss my Chilean group there. They are fun and the class really is good even though its the same class I took in the US. I think Anita Voelker is definitely a better professor though!
After a long break and a rushed lunch during which my mom tried to talk too extremely fast while I was trying to eat, I walked to my history class. I thought I might die in class. First there are over 50 people in the class and the professor is monotone and really boring. He spent the entire period (1 hour and 30 minutes) really talking about NOTHING. He said the same thing over and over using different words each time...oh man I think if it continues like this I might die. I would really like to drop the class. But I dont' think there is anything else I can take in its place. Ugh fail. And to top it off the people in the class spend the entire time talking while he is talking. :( I don't know how classes work here but man they are frustrating. I still have to figure out how the evaluations work in this class.
Literature is going to be hard but I think that I'll really like the Professor. She is informative, uses a powerpoint, and the first book isn't too long and doesn't seem to bad. The funny thing about Chile is that here you don't buy the book--you go to the library, check it out, and PHOTOCOPY the entire thing. Yes, the entire thing. How crazy is that?!
Dance class will be entertaining. The teacher seems crazy. I had to dance with him haha that was interesting. We learned how to dance the Cueca from the North and Isla Pascua. And we played this crazy hugging game--I WON WITH RANDI haha. it was fun. We made a good team. It was interesting though, and another form of the disorganization here, no one was quite certain where the classroom was for this class and I got lost of course and was there too earlier but it worked in my benefit because the four of us that actually found where we were going learned the dances first and yeah it was good.
So that's life. Its crazy. I had a good talk with Paula yesterday when we visited the Jardin again. I got to talk in Spanish and learn more about her life and stuff. It made me proud that I could speak in Spanish and carry out a conversation.
Some aspects of life have been frustrating. The whole miscommunication thing with Messiah is getting really obnoxious and the miscommunication with Texas is too. It'll all work out eventually I guess.
Today Hillary and I spent money shopping because we can do that since we are in Chile. haha There was an entire section of a store that I fell in love with, I restrained myself however and only bought 3 shirts. :P It was good fun.
I'm still working out my schedule and life but yep.
Tomorrow its supposed to rain...boo.
But I get to sleep in!! Then I'm going to a concert tomorrow night with Hillary and Katrina because apparently it is El DIa de La Juventud in Vina (FREE CONCERT!) woot. So that works for me.
I'm still adjusting to my family here. Its good though at times. Yesterday I helped make lunch and Monday I watched a movie with Pablo. Oh and I walked with my host mom to get bread. Haha I'm trying. She made my favorite lunch yesterday (Spinach, ground beef, and alfredo sauce!) Its good. I also learned some of her "secrets." Like sometimes soup is just yesterday's lunch food processed HAHA Oh my. The things I saw...
But yeah I've spent way too much time on my computer the last few days and weeks. I should get our in the world.
Chao!
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