Its a beautiful day in Chile and I just thought that I would write a quick note to all of my dearly missed friends at Messiah College and beyond! Please forgive me that I haven't been sending out updates, I can never keep track of who I have talked to or who I haven't talked to. I accredit this forgetfulness to my dear friend Facebook. I have a few short minutes (before I must go to call my advisor from the ISA office) to update you, yes YOU on my life.
Its hard to believe that in a little less than one month and a half I will be returning to the good 'Ole United States. I can remember the day I left BWI. I thought 6 months was an extremely long time and that December 14th may never come. I look back on it now and honestly I wish it wouldn't come. Granted, yes, some days I can't wait to come home and see all of your smiling faces, I can truly say that I'm going to miss the new smiling faces I met here in Chile a whole lot more than I had anticipated.
So what have I been doing to occupy these 6 months afuera de los EEUU (outside of the US)...well, I will do my best to summarize my life, though, this simple black and white email will in no way shape or form do this experience justice. Therefore, friends, it is your job to ask me and beg to see pictures or beg to eat tasty/original Chilean food. Though, don't be shocked if I ask you to be more specific in your questions or if I beg you for Reeses Peanutbutter Cups, something, one of the only things that Chile lacks. I have McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Dominos, Starbucks, Snickers, Hershey's, SYNDER'S PRETZELS, TURKEY HILL ICECREAM!, all within my reach. Yes you heard me, Turkey Hill ice cream. I guess PA couldn't leave me, ever.
Over the summer I took two classes (Introduction to Hispanoamerican Literature-mind you, literature well Spanish Lit scares the heck out of me, Ia had a wonderful professor who is now my tutor- and Chilean Culture and Conversation). I made a wonderful group of friends whom I want to stay in contact with when I return, found how my life fit into my host family's life, established myself with an amazing church with a great group of Chilean college students, travelled to all of Pablo Neruda (a famous Chilean poet's houses), visited some Northern beaches (took goregous pictures), went horseback riding on the beach, climbed a sand dune, ate lots of ice cream, watched many sunsets, had great conversation, but most importantly, I started to learn about myself/what I wanted to do in the future/and my Spanish speaking abilities. I even got to spend some time with Dr. Yunez and Dr. Beany. It was a great 6 weeks. Trying at times. But great. I got to celebrate my birthday in this country too...during the winter. Did I mention, it was winter?
From this experience, I coined the terms...'life is like a roller coaster' and 'everyday is an adventure.'
And everyday has fit those descriptions quite well.
I am currently taking 5 classes at Pontificial Catolica University of Valparaiso. I can honestly say that I miss Messiah's classrooms, professors, and oh yeah structured classes. But while I spend many days frustrated in class, I know that this experience has shown me what kind of teacher/professor I would never want to be.
The advantage of my Grammar class (up until the time change) was that it overlooks the ocean and some palm trees, the perfect location to daze off and watch the sunset.
Children's Literature never ceases to amaze me. I feel smarter than the professor at times and like the students are third graders. Though, I am learning some things and being forced to create my own stories and poetry. Its been an experience.
Literatura Espanola...well, let's not go there ;)
Dance class. What a class! I learn stuff about culture and have a professor that can move his hips more than most normal people can.
And finally, History of Latin America in the 20th Century. Also an adventure, whenever the professor decides to show up and teach class.
That's just the basic summary of my classes.
Outside of reading five million things and doing school work related things, I had the opportunity to travel to La Serena (northern beach town-near a beautiful fruit growing valley-large observatories-dolphins-penguins), pretty much amazingness. If you don't believe me, wait until you see the pictures. Also, I spent the weekend in Mendoza, Argentina. :D Everything is so wonderfully cheap there AND it is gorgeous, if it had the Pacific Ocean, it would be even better. I found myself face to face with the beautiful Andes mountains and some of the world's best meat. And did I mention I spent an entire day soaking life up in hot springs at a Spa. ;) I also had the opportunity to see a world cup qualifying soccer game (CHILE VS ECUADOR)...CHILE WON!!!!!!! It was such an incredible experience, I don't think I've seen quite that much fan devotion in my life.
My family spent a week here too :) it was great. We went to eat at a lot of cool places and spent time together.
The food in Chile isn't bad, it is kind of boring though after awhile. Chileans can't live without mayonnaise, avocado, salt, sugar, oil, bread...Did I mention that freshly baked bread is my new favorite or that hotdogs with mayonnaise/tomato/avocado are wonderfully tasty.
My host family is good, at times overprotective. The mom tries to use me as a replacement for her daughters who no longer live at home. I definitely have a greater appreciation for living in a dorm...I could never be a full time student living at home again (no offense to my family). They've definitely challenged me in ways I would never imagine. But they always have my needs in mind.
In my "free time" I volunteer in two locations. In a daycare/preschool (really hard to deal with 2-4 year old spanish speaking children) and in a Catholic school with an English teacher (I absolutely love my 2nd and 5th graders there).
I've learned to appreciate Chilean culture, adapted to Chilean spanish, and learned to grow/want to continue to grow.
This coming week I will be travelling to Puncon (down in Southern Chile) where I will be soaking in hotsprings, taking in nature, climbing a volcano (yikes! :D) and zipplining!!!!!!! Did I mention I attempted to surf in the Pacific last weekend...well I did ;) And in a few weeks I will be going to Santiago to see HILLSONG!!!!!!
And finally, I've created a huge list of things I have yet to do that I will do before I leave.
So life has been good and bad, but God has taught me a lot and will continue to teach me. While, I don't want to leave, I know that God has big plans for me when I come back. I'm extremely thankful for the wonderful ISA staff here who have supported me academically, spiritually, emotionally, etc. AND even more thankful for ALL of you who have checked in on me and showed your support. I look forward to sharing more of my experience with you.
Sorry for the length of this...what can I say, 6 months is a long time.
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