Sunday, February 20, 2011

Es La Hora de Volver a Santiago

Well, I came back to Santiago for a week and I still have a few days left before I leave for Argentina. Since I last wrote, Valentine's Day came and went, which seems to be my most depressing day of the year every year, but it was even worse to be completely alone without the ability to leave the house after day. I went for a run to the grocery store and tried to avert my eyes from all the couples smothering each other on park benches and street corners. However, the day passed, like it always does and I moved on to the next day which I spent on the beach!

In the morning, seeing the dreary clouds awaiting me outside, I threw my jeans and a warmer shirt on over my bathing suit hoping that it would burn off. After a bit of confusion as to where to find the bus I needed, I finally boarded the bus to Vina del Mar. I had been there once before with my friend, but I was excited to explore a bit more and lay on the beach if the weather warmed up. I got off the bus at one of the most beautiful parks I've seen. Here, I did a short video for my friends and family back at home (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm_VNJgRUD4). Then, as I walked around taking pictures, (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2367939&id=24613866&l=15f0254def) I was approached by a gypsy woman with her baby trying to get money from me. Just as I finally made her understand that I didn't have any money to give, I was approached by a young man and his girlfriend. He asked me if I spoke Spanish and then told me that I needed to leave the park immediately because there were some men discussing the best way to steal my things. Adhering to his advice, I walked a short distance with them and ducked into a large mall which I enjoyed exploring for a little while. When I finally left the mall and decided that I wanted to find somewhere to sit and people watch and listen to the Spanish, I found myself a dog that I could just not leave behind. After giving her some love and naming her Blondie, she followed me around for the good part of an hour and sat next to me on the bench as I relaxed with an ice cream cone. What a way to spend the day! The clouds finally burned off and the sun came out so I made a bee-line for the sand and struck up a conversation with the 6 year old girl sitting next to me. After I felt that I had sufficiently enjoyed the very crowded beach, I ventured toward the vendors that line approximately half a mile of boardwalk selling just about everything. As the sun began to sink lower towards the horizon, I knew it was time to figure out how to make my way back to Valparaiso, and just as I began to feel flustered and confused, the bus I needed pulled up next to me!!! What a blessing from God! So I made it home safe and enjoyed cooking some dinner for myself and getting my things packed up to head back to Santiago.

Being back in Santiago, is much like being back home after vacation. I am in a place that I know pretty well and don't feel so much like a foreigner (well, kinda). I bought some groceries and have had fun catching up with my host family (who was gracious enough to allow me to come back for the time I am in Santiago). A friend of mine took me to a place called California Cantina here in Santiago for lunch. I had almost forgotten how much I love Mexican food!!! They have a very So-Cal menu with burritos, burgers, tacos, and much more. I figure that burrito will hold me over until I find my way back home =D.

On Tuesday, Cat and I will be taking a night bus (8 hours) to Mendoza which arrives before the sun comes up. We'll explore the city and probably do a bike tour during the day. Wednesday night, I will take another night bus (13 hours) to Buenos Aires. Here I will be staying with the sister of a good friend from back home. I am very excited for this upcoming leg of my trip for so many reasons. First, I can't wait to explore and experience a new culture. The people are different, the architecture is different, and even the Spanish is different. Second, I am thrilled to be staying with a Christian woman. I have not come across many believers, especially ones that really walk with Christ. In B.A. I will have the opportunity for fellowship and encouragement between believers. Third, I'm hoping to learn the Tango! I have still yet to learn Salsa or Merengue, but I have high hopes that I will eventually be afforded that chance.

I will be returning to Santiago on March 5th to begin training for the teaching part of this excursion. At this point, I still do not know where I will be going to teach, but I trust that God is preparing me, the family I will be living with, and my future students. I pray for them often and ask that I am able to help them in any way I can. When I do begin teaching, I am supposed to do 10 hours per week of extracurricular work (i.e. helping in a club, ???) I'm not exactly sure what this will entail or what I'll be doing, but I'm excited about the possibilities.

 Well, as always, thank you for taking the time to read about this adventure and thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts. I miss you guys and you're all in my thoughts and prayers as well.

Abrazos y Besos! (hugs & kisses)

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Keeping Up a Tan in February

These past few days have been pretty interesting indeed! On Friday, I was invited to a bbq at a friend of a friend's place to celebrate a house warming. There were 7 of us (me and 6 Chilean English teachers) on the top of a 20 floor apartment building with a pool where you can see out to all of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. The view was spectacular! Just as we're enjoying a bit of an appetizer, the building began to sway. The earthquake continued and got a little bit stronger with time. When it finally stopped and all settled down again, we all attempted to pretend nothing happened. It wasn't until much later that night when a few of us sat around and discussed the tragedy of the February 2010 earthquake that rocked much of Chile and destroyed a number of homes and lives. For the time being however, we put it out of our minds and enjoyed great food, great company, and great views.

Saturday began by putting on a bathing suit, a t shirt, and shorts, grabbing my towel, ipod, and book, and heading to the park to soak up the sun. I absolutely love weekends down here because everything truly slows down (especially when you're out of Santiago). After spending around 30 minutes walking through the street fair and seeing all of the trinkets and toys to buy, I made my way to the sunny patch in the park where I could enjoy some people watching and reading. I wish I had a dollar for every child that stopped and stared at me as they passed! Of course, I just smiled and waved (which seemed to confuse them more). After an hour or so, I resumed my walking around the city in attempts to find hidden gems...oh did I find them!! I found random stores tucked into allies, a spiral walkway with around 50 hair salons and an arcade at the bottom, the first tattoo parlors I've seen in Chile, and stores that I would compare to Ross or Marshals. What a way to live!! The only things I ended up buy all day were a small stand up mirror, a pocket notebook, and a mini empanada on my way home. The possibilities were endless, though! After arriving home, I decided to make some mac & cheese and pop in "The Breakup" with Spanish subtitles to try to learn some new Spanish words.

Sunday (today) has been the rejuvinating day that I needed. I woke up and began my day with my devotional but still wanted more substance. The Rock's website was exactly what I was looking for! First, I watched last weeks sermon and took notes as though I was there. What a great sermon, too, about how sometimes, God is waiting on us to obey before answering our prayers. Next, I stumbled across the option to watch the service live. So, I waited until it was 1pm here and enjoyed worship with Stephanie and the Rock Church and Miles' sermon about 6 characteristics of God. As my soul was fed, I also enjoyed online fellowship with others that were watching the service from afar because they weren't in San Diego. Thank God for meeting all of our needs in the perfect way and perfect timing. I pray that even if I am placed in a city without a church, I can at least meet other Christians and we can watch it together and have our own satellite church!

God is so good and I'm marveling daily in His greatness and love.

Pictures from my walk: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2366686&id=24613866&l=9843defe2a

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Terremotos!!!

When my soul needs to rest and recharge, where do I go? The beach!!! I'm spending the first week of my month long vacation at the beach in Valparaiso, Chile. I am staying in the home of a friend of a friend. I have my own room, a closet, a desk, a kitchen and bathroom that I share with 2 other women, and lots of places to sit, drink coffee/tea, and read my Bible. What a life!!!


Yesterday, I took the 2 hour bus from Santiago to Valpo. Yes, I came by myself. Yes, I was a bit nervous about not understanding where I was supposed to be. No, I didn't have any problems getting on the correct bus and getting to the beach to meet my friend =D. 


Short funny story: I was asked on a date by the driver of another bus! Hehe I was standing at the terminal just waiting for my bus to get there when a not so bad looking Chilean man with a Pullman Bus shirt walked up and asked if I needed help (guess I looked a bit confused). I showed him my ticket to make sure I really was in the right place. He said that I was exactly correct and the bus would be there any minute. He then asked why I was in Chile. This is when I realized that he had ulterior motives and I began fibbing a bit. I said that I was on vacation and leaving as soon as I got back from the beach to go back to the US. He then asked if I'd like to go for coffee or a drink when I got back. Promptly, I said no thank you. He asked if I had a boyfriend. (Again, not being honest) I told him yes. Then, he asked how long we had been together (why someone would ask this, I'm not sure...culture?) I told him 2 years!! Hahahahaha He said good luck and have a great time at the beach and hopped on his bus to leave. What an odd way to leave for vacation!!! 


So, I'm on the bus and a guy sits down next to me. I knew he had to be from the US or the UK, and when he pulled out his English guide book, I knew I was right. We ended up talking much of the trip about where we'd been, his experience teaching English in Santiago, my experience learning Spanish, etc. Then the bus driver began the movie..."Taken". HAHA of course this would play on my first solo excursion in Chile!! Turns out, I knew what I was talking about before seeing the movie: super stupid girls doing super stupid things. Who lets a random guy take them somewhere from the airport and know where exactly they are staying??? You are supposed to make up a random hotel if people try to figure out where you are going...just say the Hilton or something. 


When I arrived in Valpo, my very generous friend, Felipe (the monitor from the camp I helped at in Las Cabras) picked me up and took me to the house I was going to be living at for the week. What a blessing this who situation is!! After dropping off my things, Felipe took me on a tour of his incredible city. We went up into the hills where we explored the shops and restaurants and colorful homes. This city is absolutely filled with color! Many homes are attached, but each will be a different bright color (blue, pink, yellow, green, purple). We then went and enjoyed a lunch at one of his favorite restaurants where there was a small jazz band playing for a little while. I got to have some Chilean ceviche and seafood soup. 


Off we went again to head up to Viña del Mar, Reñaca, and Concon. I got to take incredible pictures of the beach, walk around the small shops and street vendors, and breath in the incredible sea air. What blew me away the most was how similar some of these places are to San Diego!! I kept having to remind myself that I'm not back in Cali as we drove up the coast. I'm so fortunate to have such a great tour guide who is proud to show off his home town!


Last night, at 11pm, I went to sleep. This is the earliest I've been able to go to bed since getting to Chile. Also, I slept until 9:30!! Who knew how important it was to have a place where your heart and soul can be at rest and your mind can actually shut down completely? Well, I intend to have more evenings of good sleep here and to recharge and prepare for all that God has ahead for me. Now, if only the weather would cooperate and give me some time to tan...

When I finally rose from my slumber, I enjoyed walking to the grocery store and buying enough food to eat decently well this week. I definitely intend to make this a habit when I am back home. It's silly how easy it is to acquire so much extra in the pantry and fridge. How often do we have to throw out all of the stuff we don't use that expires? As I put my things away in the fridge, the house began to rock. My heart began to race and I began to pray for protection because I didn't know if it would get stronger or if it would last a long time. Valparaiso is one place in which you can still see so much devastation from the 2008 earthquake. Many homes were completely destroyed as well as restaurants, hotels, and cafe's. Thank goodness, it didn't last or get very strong, but it took me a while to get my hands to stop their subtle shaking. 


Its time now to get out of the house and go for a walk around the port. Fresh air here does me so good after the smog of Santiago. =D I've added more pictures, so here are the links:


Leaving Cali: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2366069&id=24613866&l=8796c99974

Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, Reñaca, y Concon: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2366138&id=24613866&l=0a12d4b614

 My Valpo Home: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2366259&id=24613866&l=7d1181fc74

 Love you!!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Vacation!!!!

As I sit here in my friend's 12th story apartment, sipping my Vanilla Rooibos tea (thank you Phillip!!!) and gazing out at the Santiago landscape beneath, I can't help but thing about the many "what if's" of life. What if I had gotten a job after college and stayed in San Diego? What if I hadn't gotten accepted into this program and ended up staying in Simi Valley? What if I had stayed behind because it was too hard to leave? What if I hadn't been purposeful about nurturing relationships before I left home to come to Chile? What if I let fear run my life? What if I didn't trust God to always take care of me and keep me in His will as I daily pursue following Him? I honestly don't have any answers to these questions, but sometimes they have my stomach in knots. Most days however, I know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now. The opportunities that have presented themselves in this past month have made me wonder what my life might look like 6 months from now. If you had asked me before I left, I would have said that after my 7 months here, I'd return home to "real life". Now, I see that this IS real life; maybe not real for most people, but very real for me.

I met some people out here who have moved from the US to work down here (corporate jobs, not teaching). It is so interesting to here about South America from their perspective. Not only are they able to experience a different of Chile because they are being paid, but many also don't look at it from a foreigner's perspective. They have Chilean credit cards, phone contracts, apartments, furniture, cars, etc. How different this mindset is from someone who is here for only a set amount of time. I don't consider purchasing things because I don't have room for them in my suitcase. I spread my prepaid phone minutes as thin as possible so I don't have to refill. I try to use every last drop of my hair products to avoid spending money at the store. The more I think about it, this is kind of the mindset we as Christians are supposed to have about earth. It's all temporary. We don't have permanent residence here on earth. We were sent here to do a job, and although we don't know how long we have here, we need to constantly remind ourselves not to store up our stuff here on earth as though we have eternity. I'm daily working on keeping my life simple and not complicating it with drama or pain. This is difficult, but I'm feeling the weight of it being lifted off my shoulders as I strive to do the best I can. God's also been teaching me to not fault others for their choices when they are just trying to do their best with the knowledge and experience that they have. I'm not going to be a doormat, but I need not hold onto baggage or create bitterness to burden my heart and my mind.

As of last Friday, I have finished my intensive Spanish courses and begun my vacation. Lacking any desire to spend extra time in Santiago (which, by the way, has so much smog right now that I can't see any surrounding mountains), I'm working my way towards the beach. Not only am I looking forward to the cleaner air and the smell of salt water and the pigment of my skin looking as though I live in Hawaii, but I'm also very excited to meet some new people and practice some of the Spanish that I've learned! As of right now, I am planning to leave tomorrow between 8-11:30 am to take the 2 hour bus to Valparaiso. From there, I will stay in a hostel as close to the water as possible and as cheap as possible.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read these posts and for the comments you post. It's so nice to be able to keep people updated and share how God is blessing me and working in my life.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Photo Albums Posted!

Cemeterio General: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2365219&id=24613866&l=b823af661a

Pomaire (clay making) http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2365227&id=24613866&l=92f77df0a9

Cajon del Maipo Weekend trip:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2365233&id=24613866&l=86def9da58
 
Concha y Torro Vineyard: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2365236&id=24613866&l=1eade90282