Host an exchange student

I have a request to all of you readers out there! My host family is hoping to send my host brother, Sebastian (pictured to the right), to the U.S. next year for six months to study. Would anyone be interested in hosting a sweet, loving Chilean boy?

He's only fifteen, but Eva and Sergio want him to study in the States because being fluent in English, especially down here, is a huge advantage for his future. His sister, Camila, did the same thing a couple years ago in Canada. I'm a testament to how well she speaks English (and sometimes I'm jealous at how good her English is in comparison to my Spanish) and I know it'll be such an advantage to her, not only in her everyday life, but also as she studies to be a doctor at university next year. They want the same for their son. Since I've grown so close with the family, they'd love it if Seba could be near me in North Carolina or Virginia next year.

Anyway, Seba would arrive in time to start the school year next Fall 2010 and return to Chile the beginning of February 2011. He'll be in his Junior year of high school, and obviously his parents will send money to pay for living expenses. I can't say enough how wonderful he is, and I want to do anything I can to give him the opportunity to study in the States.

If you know anyone or would feel comfortable asking around, I'd really appreciate it!!

Love and grace to all of you. Can't wait to see you in five weeks!!!!!!!!!

A heart in two places

The beautiful bride and groom

Charlotte ladies at the wedding

Trivia/telephone game at el Oasis retreat

'Put me in, coach!'

The awesome el Oasis crew at Vilches Bajo

Two weeks ago I flew home for Jessica and Bryan's wedding. It was absolutely wonderful being a part of their special day. Even though I didn't get hardly any sleep between Wednesday night (when I flew out) and Monday morning, it was totally worth it. I'm so honored to be their friend and so excited for what the future brings them (including, hopefully, lots of Sunday night dinners!)

I have to admit the week I got home to Santiago was a bit difficult adjusting back to my life in Chile. There was nothing wrong at the house or at school, but I guess after seeing a few people at home, I started thinking more and more what it was like to be in their everyday lives. It was a little taste of home, and I couldn't get it out of my head. Fortunately I have an awesome Chilean family, and after a week of getting back in the groove AND an awesome retreat with El Oasis, I'm back to my normal Chilena self.

El Oasis put on a retreat this past weekend in an area about 3 hours south of Santiago, called Vilches Bajo. The theme of the weekend was basically 'the Sexes'...and no, it wasn't about sex, entirely. What I mean is, we had an awesome husband and wife, who are missionaries in the south of Chile, talk to us about how to have a healthy relationship (whether dating or married) with Christ at the center. As the majority of the church community are college-aged students, I thought it was a wonderful topic to lay on the table. It was really cool to get perspective from both a guy and girl (let's face it, most ministers are men) about relationships. They were honest about struggles they'd had in the past, including their marriage, but how they finally came together closer than ever with God at the center. It reminded me of the 'Stogies and Stilettos' series at Watershed, so it was awesome to see similar things being discussed halfway around the world...in Spanish. It was a very humbling. I admire Mark and Eli (the missionaries that have been working at el Oasis for almost four years) so much for what they're doing in these students' lives.

In addition to some quality discussions and reflecting, we also had lots of fun and recreation during the weekend. For one, we played 'Futból Flamenco' (Flamingo soccer) where the guys could only hop on one foot (no running) and kick the ball with one foot the entire game. I thought this would've given the girls an advantage, but it seems guys are just too good at soccer and they won in overtime 5-4. We also had a dance competition Saturday night where everyone paired up, labeled with numbers and all, and competed with each other for the best rhythm and moves through a variety of styles of music. I was awkwardly put with someone I didn't know, but it was still lots of fun. But let's go back to the soccer game...can I just say, that's the first time I've EVER played soccer! I hope everyone is proud!! I'm sure I was hilarious to watch, with my sweet running skills and all, but it was a blast :)

Now as I'm wrapping up my last five or so weeks here in the most southern part of the world, I'm trying to keep at peace about the next big transition coming up. I've been so blessed this entire year and formed some amazing relationships, that I can't stand thinking about Dec. 14 when I have to head to the airport. But at the same time, I can't wait to see all of you at home. Just like in January and February, I find my heart in two places.

Whirlwind

The past few weeks have absolutely flown. I honestly don't know where the time went. School has been going great as we bring the year to an end. And not only have I been busy with classes and students during regular hours, but I feel like we've been together on weekends too!

A couple weeks ago the school put on it's annual Folkloric Gala where each grade level dressed up and danced native dances from Chile and other countries all over the world. I was so impressed at what the students had learned and perfected in the past few months and blown away by the day. Children from pre-kinder all the way through 12th grade dressed up in hand-made costumes and performed choreographed dances, including tango, the cha-cha, a Spanish dance, a Mapuche dance, and of course cueca (Chile's national dance). My little brother was part of the Spanish dance with 9th grade and Camila danced four different dances. Not only did she perform tango and cueca choro, but also helped 11th grade with the cha-cha and finished with the father/daughter, mother/son cueca finale. It's a tradition for all of the Seniors to dance cueca at the end and celebrate their last gala. I was in charge of taking pictures the entire day, and at one point I looked back at Eva watching her daughter and hubby dancing with tears in her eyes. It was so cute and brought back memories when I was graduating from high school. I love how Colegio San Marcos has this tradition, and even after it's 50+ years of existence, still puts on the gala every year. It's very special for the modern students to still be learning traditional dances, especially those of their country. People kept asking me if we have a traditional dance in the States, and I was a little embarrassed to admit I didn't think we had one, or at least I didn't know what it was. Does square-dancing count??

This past week has been full of fun and parties it seems. On Wednesday night, the entire family went to watch Chile vs. Ecuador. Camila and I both bought fake soccer jerseys, and we all got to watch Chile beat Ecuador 1-0. The Saturday night before, Chile qualified for the World Cup after beating Colombia. So even though this game didn't technically count towards the World Cup, it was still very exciting experiencing a professional soccer game in South America. I wish soccer was more popular in the U.S.! It's so much more exciting than baseball and it's played all over the world! What's wrong with us??

Then on Thursday we started celebrations for Día del Profesor (Teachers' Day). There was a party at school that evening, and then classes were cancelled on Friday. Instead, the teachers got together for mass in the morning, had breakfast and took a bus outside of the city to the countryside. We went to a breath-taking lake and joined the other teachers in our network with EducaUC for lunch and relaxation. If that wasn't enough, Saturday was the Paseo de la Familia (Family Picnic). So Saturday morning we packed our picnic baskets and headed towards the mountains for a full-day picnic with the entire school and families. It was a wonderful day being outside and sharing food and laughs with everyone connected to Colegio San Marcos.

This week is the anniversary of the school's opening, so we only have a day and a half of classes before the entire school breaks out into games and competitions. I have no idea what to expect, but I'm excited! I think teachers are as thrilled with having no class as students...or maybe it's just me :)

Most of you probably know, but for those that don't, I'm heading to the States for a VERY short trip on Wednesday because Jessica and Bryan are getting married!! I feel very honored that I get to be part of their special day. I arrive two nights before the wedding and leave the night after, so this means I won't have time to see most of you...but just think, I'll be home in less than two months!!

Aaah, I can't believe this year is already coming to an end. I have to admit I have mixed feelings about it because even though I'm so excited to finally see all of you and get home, these last eight months have been incredible. I'm going to miss my students, Chilean family(ies), co-workers and friends so very much!! I about lost it this past week when a few of my students asked if I'd be back next year and I saw their faces when I said no...

Jones y Pucón

Another vacation is sadly over, but I guess I have no right to complain ...2009 has been full of fun adventures and this week was another one to add to my favorites. For those of you that don't know, Kayla Jones arrived on Friday, September 11 and just left tonight. My host mother, Eva, was sweet enough to get up early with me on Friday morning to pick her up at the airport. Eva had 'met' Kayla briefly on Skype a few nights before, so we both waited anxiously for her to exit the international flight gates.

We came back to my new house and she was immediately immersed into my new life, and especially the Chilean culture. We ate breakfast and rested for a little while, but then we headed to school for my last day before 'spring break.' Little did she know that she would be joining me in a Freshman and 8th grade class, including fun Chilean Independence Day celebrations through out the entire school. We only spent about an hour doing real school work, and then joined the rest of the school outside on the patio for empanadas, music, and cueca (the typical Chilean dance). After school, we also had a party for the teachers to celebrate Fiestas Patrias a week early, including empanadas and wine! Only in South America is wine served at school, hahah.

On Friday evening we laid low at the house because, ironically, September 11th is a dangerous day in Chile. Back in 1973 when Chile was ruled by a communist government (I think...I could be getting my history a little backwards, Paula-help me if I'm telling this wrong!), the military invaded the government buildings in an effort to take over the government. To date, many Chileans still act out on this day in rememberance of the military take-over. It's basically just people doing stupid stuff in the street like starting fires or cutting out electricity. Fortunately we live in a safe neighborhood and my family reassured us that nothing would happen to us. It worked out well, too, because it gave Kayla a chance to relax after a long flight and festivities at school.

Saturday the girls (Camila, Kayla and I) went out and explored a little bit of Santiago before getting on our overnight bus at 11pm to head south to Pucón. When we arrived Sunday, we were sad to find it raining the ENTIRE day. We literally didn't do anything in Pucón on Sunday except read, sleep and try to warm up by the one heater in the entire hostel.

Fortunately, the weather cleared up the rest of the week and we fell in love with Pucón and the surrounding areas. On Monday we went whitewater rafting, and it was awesome! I might even say it was the best whitewater rafting I've done. The New River in West Virginia has some competition after rafting the lower Trancura. We also met some other gringas and a German girl, so it was fun making friends and hanging out with others on our adventure. On Tuesday, we went canopying (basically climbing trees and gliding across steel lines between trees). It was a blast and brought me back to my Young Life days when I would go ziplining at camp...only this time we were much higher up and we ziplined across rivers! On our final day in the south, we hiked part of the Parque Nacional Huerquehue, about an hour outside of town. It was a pretty intense hike, but had absolutely amazing views of Volcán Villarica (shown above). I think I remembered some of the scenes from Todd's old Chile photos. Kayla nicknamed me 'Super Monkey' because apparently I not only walk fast, but take long, fast strides hiking as well (if only I could run, dang it). Despite the mud, I was able to keep up with our German friend in her waterproof boots. Needless to say though, Kayla and I are a bad combination together. Everyone knows me for being clumsy or 'torpe', but I think Kayla might've had me beat on this trip. I fell twice, but she fell three times. We were both covered in dirt and mud by the end, haha. TRECE TRECE :) Good news is the hostel let us rinse off and change clothes even though we'd already checked out so we could get on the bus somewhat clean.

Thursday morning we got home and read and slept practically the entire day. There were two old women on the bus the night before that didn't shut up the whole night, so we didn't sleep much. It was nice to have a lazy day Thursday to get ready for the Fiestas Patrias festivities on Friday. We had so much fun celebrating Chile's Independence Day with the Soto/Muñoz families! Sergio and his brother-in-law, Patricio, grilled out the entire day, and we ate lots of choripan, steak, potatoes, empanadas, etc. My host parents also danced cueca for a while and we toasted with lots of Chilean wine and chicha!

Yesterday Kayla and I went out on our own. Eva offered me her car again, so I actually navigated our way through Santiago. I never thought I'd know such a big city so well! We did make a few U-turns, but we still managed very well. And today my family took her out to lunch before she had to head to the airport. It was so much fun! I'm so glad Kayla got to spend time down here with me, but I'm also so grateful that she got to know and love my host family and the culture as much as I do. We talked about how it's so much different experiencing it than the stories I try to tell everyone all the time. She knew I loved living with this family, but only now can she fully understand it. I think it was hard for everyone to say goodbye this evening!

Tomorrow means back to work, but I can't believe in a month I'll be home for Jessica and Bryan's wedding! Time is going by too fast!!

Keep checking my Picasa album, titled 'Jones y Pucón' for our pictures from the week. I've uploaded the photos from my camera, but I'm also waiting to get some from Kayla when she gets home.

On another note, I keep jumping every few minutes as I sit here writing this blog. My host father, Sergio, is watching a tennis match and yelling whenever the Chilean player gets a point. It's so funny because it reminds me of Dad yelling and getting excited watching a Hokie football game, hahah.

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the Fall and football...have fun at those tailgates for me :)

Lots of love,

LG

Familia nueva

Little sis and me! This is before our movie night out last Friday :)

Mother and daughter, Eva and Camila.

My new 'mom', Eva! She's hilarious, full of energy and so loving. I caught her dancing in the kitchen :)

It's been a few weeks since I moved into Poeta Augusto Winter 4146, and I must say, it's already been a big change. I was welcomed with open arms immediately when I arrived, and I don't think there's been a quiet moment yet! I've spent two weekends here in Santiago hanging out with the entire Soto family and a few extended relatives. We've sat, laughed and talked around the table for hours. But by Sunday evening, it's always back to studying for Camila and Sebastian...oh I'm so glad I'm not a student anymore. Then on Monday the week is off to a busy start as Camila, Seba and I go to school, Sergio goes to work and Eva is running errands and preparing meals all day. In the evenings, we all have lots going on too. Poor Camila goes to PreU every evening...PreU is what most high school students attend in their Junior and Senior year to help them get ready for the huge tests required for all high school students in order to graduate. Imagine taking the SATs and multiplying them by ten...that's how much information kids have to learn and remember for these 'right of passage' tests. So not only does Camila attend school every day from 8 to 4, but then she goes to PreU in the evenings from 5 to 8:30...ugh. Too much. Sergio, the dad, also works super long hours. He usually stays at the office until Camila gets finished with PreU and picks her up on the way home. Needless to say, I can't complain about my long Wednesdays any more!

It's really cool living here and seeing what a typical Chilean family does every day. I definitely felt like I'd adjusted to the Chilean lifestyle before, living in the apartment, because I visited the Cisternas' so often in Viña. But now, I'm experiencing it so much more. Obviously there are a few cultural differences, but family life down here seems pretty much the same as what I remember growing up in Chesterfield. I think one thing I really appreciate here is the time set aside for the entire family to enjoy meals together...on a regular basis. Even though Camila and Sergio don't get home until close to 9pm, we still all sit around the table together when they get home for Once. Since I basically spent my high school years as an only child (Todd and Mark were both already off to college), I think that aspect of our family eating nightly dinners together went away. I was busy in so many after-school activities and both Mom and Dad were working so hard that I don't think we took advantage of those last four years as much as would could have. One cultural tradition I definitely want to take home with me is making meals an important time for anyone/everyone I'm around...whether that be friends, roommates, or family.

Last Friday evening I had a fun afternoon shopping with Eva and Camila for Camila's graduation dress. In Chile they don't really have a prom, but about a week after the graduation ceremony, Camila will get together with her 25+ classmates for a dinner with all of their parents. After dinner, most of the parents go home and others stay to chaperone a dance. I guess it's a small version of prom because she told me they'll stay out all night and even have breakfast together the next morning. Eva, of course, is going to be a chaperone. So anyway, Camila was really excited to go out and find a dress for her big event! I was thrilled that they invited me to tag along. It brought back fun memories of when Mom and I went shopping for my homecoming and prom dresses in high school.

On Friday night Camila and I continued our girls day into the evening. We went to the movie theater nearby and saw a chick flick. Aaaand for the second time since being in Chile, I drove! Eva and Sergio asked me if I wanted to just drive the two of us since it was only five minutes away from the house. Although we experienced a small technical difficulty figuring out reverse (for some reason the reverse is in the opposite side of the gear shift in Eva's car), it was a smooth and safe ride. I think Camila felt especially 'bakan' because she didn't have her parents taking her out somewhere...this time she had her 'big sister' driving her around! I have to admit, I also enjoyed having a little sister for the night :) I treated her to the movie and we snuck McDonald's fries into the theater...such rebels. It was definitely a gringo evening!

Then I headed to Viña on Saturday morning to spend the rest of the weekend with the Cisternas'. We had a lot of fun watching the Chile vs. Venezuela soccer qualifier on Saturday night even though they tied. Chile plays Brazil this Wednesday, so it'll be another stressful evening for fans. I hope Chile gets to the World Cup as much as the U.S.! As usual, I was spoiled with lots of love and food at the Cisternas' home and loved hanging out with the Ubilla's (including Gaby again finally, woo hoo!) too.

Tonight, I have to admit, after I got back to Santiago, I was really missing all of you at home. Like I said before in one of my earlier blogs, this comes and goes...and well, tonight is one of those nights that I just wish you were all here with me. Even though I have two WONDERFUL families down here, I still love and miss all of you very much.

Grace and peace on your week,
LG

I know, I know, I've been delinquent about writing! I'm wonderful and safe with my new family. Update coming VERY soon!
Love to you all!!!!!!
LG

Chauuuuu departamento

Tomorrow is my big moving day! Which also means, tonight is my last night in this comfy bed (where I'm writing) in this gorgeous apartment. I have been so incredibly lucky to live here the past six months (gracias Nelo y Ximena!). It was definitely an adjustment living alone, but now I love it. It's going to be interesting going back to living in a shared space again. I'll miss the quiet (well, except for that awful traffic, those car alarms, dogs barking, etc. that wake me up at 3, 4 and 5 in the morning!) and privacy. It's been such a blessing to have a safe haven to come home to after an overwhelming day at school with my angels or just pure exhaustion from living in this huge, foreign city.

I'll miss the views out the window of the cordillera (on clear days) and the lights at night. I also got amazing sunset views from my bedroom window. I'll miss walking to the metro, oh, you were good to me Cristobal Colon! I'll miss the Blockbuster across the street and my 780-peso-Tuesday-night movies. I'll miss the park near Francisco Bilbao and the Sunday afternoon closing of Sanchez Fontecilla so families can walk, jog, run or ride bikes freely through the street. I'll miss my friendly and trusty security guards downstairs (Marcos and David). I'll miss being able to walk to my friends' apartments and favorite pizza restaurant-Tiramisu. I'll miss my walks to Jumbo too. I'll miss the corner coffee shop (Doce Trece) that saved me when my stolen internet was being fickle. I'll miss the little window in the shower where I could look out into the city while washing the smog off my body for the millionth time. I'll miss the walls covered in closet doors. I'll miss that shudder that goes down over the outside of the bedroom window that I just found out about a month ago. I'll miss the water pressure. I'll miss my little nook in the kitchen where I enjoyed breakfast and once. I'll miss all of the Friends episodes on DVD. I'll miss my trash chute.

But I WON'T miss those gastos comunes.

So long, Mariano Sanchez Fontecilla 1180, Dpto. 1203...you've been good to me!!