Time is living me...

Another week in Chile gone by...

Boast of Quietness

Writings of light assault the darkness, more prodigious than meteors.
The tall unknowable city takes over the countryside.
Sure of my life and death, I observe the ambitious and would like to understand them.
Their day is greedy as a lariat in the air.
Their night is a rest from the rage within steel, quick to attack.

They speak of humanity.
My humanity is in feeling we are all voices of that same poverty.

They speak of homeland.
My homeland is the rhythm of a guitar, a few portraits, an old sword,
the willow grove’s visible prayer as evening falls.

Time is living me.

More silent than my shadow, I pass through the loftily covetous multitude.
They are indispensable, singular, worthy of tomorrow.
My name is someone and anyone.

I walk slowly, like one who comes from so far away he doesn't expect to arrive.....(Jorge Luis Borges)

I wanted this poem to be part of my writing today, because it in I have found so many reflections of my self at this moment in time. This last week or so in Chile has been a new chapter in my mind. I have felt displacement this week, sadness at times even...not being able to speak, well... it makes you feel inadequate at times. Other things mounted quickly for me this week, having an evaluation by my director of my teaching, and (more to come on this...) a performance in front of my entire school! Even in writing and with the advantage of hindsight I can see these are small things. But, true to form, I let these grains of sand became mountains to climb. I want to say I had a great attitude and ample energy...but rather, I experience my first descent into frustration and impatience with my surroundings. I want to acknowledge it - accept it readily - so that next time, it passes like familiar friend and doesn't stay too long I suppose....just a theory:) Every day I am here I learn more about what the purpose of my time here is. I feel I spend a lot of time thinking about the same things over and over again; trying to figure out who I am, learning to live in balance with expectations and reality, and embracing the things I fear most in my life....All of these things are good. All of these things, are part of why I came here in the first place.

On to my week! As mentioned last time, after many hours of waiting in lines, travelling from one government building to the next, I officially have my Chilean Visa and Chilean Carnet! Well, in 10 days I do:) It's quite the system they have...lets just efficiency is not its best feature...nonetheless I have completed the necessary forms and eagerly await!

Perhaps most excitingly...This week our school had a special day - called 'Dia del los Alumnos' or student's day....essentially yet another day where we don't have class and have fun activities for the kids:)  That being said, my particular role in the event was....as a performer. Yes....a performer, Lady 'ChaCha' to be exact (i.e. lady gaga) - me and 4 other teachers had to choreograph and lip sync to a song in front of the entire school! It was ridiculous....but I checked my shame at the door and went all out....I am sure there will be photos and videos to follow and I can more accurately depict the humiliation I endured through those! All in all...I admire the spirit of these people, and of my school. They do so much to have fun and laugh....they actually take the time to celebrate their togetherness and do things that are embarrassing and funny for their students to enjoy. Other teachers perform as well, it was pretty fun, and afterwards there was a karaoke session for the whole school...I think the student's had a great time, I know I did (though I was a bit nervous...) and I am happy I went ahead and joined in the fun! Promise to post pictures as soon as I can....!

Additionally, I have been able to read many books as of late, and have developed quite the list of recommended reads! Currently, I am reading a memoir called 'Santiago's Children' by Steve Reifenberg. I strongly urge all of you to find a copy of this and read it. It embodies SO many of my experiences and thoughts down here as a gringa, and as a new person to the people and history of Chile. It is absolutely an excellent intro to the reality that is Chile, then and now....so ready away! Also, during my orientation we watched a movie titled 'Machuca'...and for those of you with Netflix, it is another great movie to depict some aspects of Chile I have been unable to testify to myself, or well enough to do them justice. 

Actually, right now in Chile there is a huge outcry against the government of Chile because they are planning on building at least 5 hydroelectric power plants in the Patagonia region of Aysen. Chileans are outraged for the most part, due to the magnitude of impact on the natural environment in Patagonia...obviously not good. There have been many huge public protests in Santiago and closer to me, in Valparaiso, some of which have already become violent on behalf of the police. I sat in the government building on Tuesday and watched footage of the police using really brutal forces against people. Things I have never seen, like water cannons, tear gas, clubbing, tazers, and detaining over a hundred peaceful protesters. Very hard to watch, and sad to think that for financial reasons a government would risk such an important ecosystem. Anyways, it is a very important issue down here right now, and thought I would share some worldly news...!

entonces, creo que todo....te extraño todos los. y a veces, esto es tan difícil. cuando estoy perdido, escucho la música de Luke, yo escribo, y recuerdo que me encanta. 

til next time,

lck

p.s. - I will update this post soon, so check back for added footage!