Closing in...!

"Someday, somewhere - anywhere, 

unfailingly, you'll find yourself, and that, and only that, can be the happiest or bitterest hour of your life" -Pablo Neruda

photo courtesy of WorldTeach

      Well - per usual I have waited far too long to update! Things have been happening every day so I will try and recount as best I can...

      First thing that comes to mind is my first time eating carne cruda - an apparent delicacy in Chile - I thought I was having my typical translation problems at first, but alas, no....RAW MEAT indeed! I also made the mistake of thinking perhaps it would be covertly slipped into a certain dish, but when a large bowl full of strips of red bloody beef was set in the center of the table - I knew I was in trouble:) Still I followed my 'try everything once' motto and went ahead and awkwardly chewed my way through a piece. I'm not going to lie...it wasn't easy. Even though the flavor was fine, the entire idea really made it difficult for me to swallow!!! A bit of lettuce and (of course) mayo were our only side dishes as well! Here is a photo - pre-dinner! (of course, not much changed!)

carne cruda - yum yum!!

Next up....today my school surprised me with an awesome program - thanking me for volunteering at their school. I was absolutely blown away and surprised! Every class I teach either wrote a song, did a dance, or make something for me. They are so so great! I have many videos of their performances and will upload them below....they are such great kids - I will absolutely never forget my time here or with them - as they have made all of the hardships worth it! Enjoy the program clips I was able to catch!!

a quick view of what my school actually looks like! 

The classrooms are outdoors, with no main building to house them all....which is why its so cold!!!

my 2 medio class (sophomores)

 7 basico (7th grade) - singing a song they wrote for me

 4 medio (seniors), a skit about me arriving at Montesol

 a dance - featuring my little sister, Emi! (the lone 4th grader!)

 3 medio (juniors)- singing a song they wrote

 4 medio (seniors) - dance/skit

 7 basico (7th grade) song!

 CHILE dance!

My favorite song - rewritten by 1 medio (freshmen class)

Pictures cannot do it justice of how awesome this program was, I was so surprised! I am so so thankful for my experience with these kids, and I know that they will do great things with their lives as well. I am forever thankful that I was able to be a part of that:) It was a very emotional day! As tomorrow is my final day, I am sure it will be even more so...

Other than winding down at school - Chile is in the middle of the Copa de America  -a soccer championship, and so I have been watching much more soccer than usual! This Monday Chile beat Mexico, and on Friday they play Uruguay, and I am heading to Valparaiso with some of my co-teachers to catch the game at a bar! They are VERY enthusiastic fans...I mostly sit back and enjoy them, more than the game...;) Viva Chile!

Additionally - I also recently visited Santiago, to welcome the new crew of WT volunteers to Chile! We had a roof top asado (an amazing feat, its WINTER!) - It was a bit of a reunion for us March volunteers as well, and we had a good time all bundled up eating grilled meat and veggies! Here are a few photos...

 staying warm:)

 Jorge, Chels, Me, Heather, & Lauren - some of my favorite friends in Chile!

 Me, Matt, Jade, Simeon, & Mons at some Chilean house...!

 Me, Stephen, & Jade at the asado!

 Max, Esteban, Jade & I

the group, huddling by the fire!

Snow has finally arrived to the Andes as well...and once the smog clears in Santiago, it is absolutely beautiful! The city is surrounded by the mountains, but half the time you can't tell because of the air pollution:( However, it clears occasionally - Here they are!

There will be more to come very soon - tomorrow is my last day and is therefore "costume day"...I will be dressing as a ninja. I am hoping its a good last day, and that I am able to stop by the school once more before I leave Chile...


After this week, I am set to be a camp counselor for one week at English Camp in Vina del Mar - no details have been given to me yet about this, but I head there on Sunday! Before I know it, my program ends, and Luke and I will be headed on our trip - I am very excited - there are many good things ahead:)

Til next time,

lck