Ordinary Miracles

Gracefully Accepting Departure with Thank You

It is difficult for me to believe that in less than a week I will be leaving Chile. I am going to miss Chile, it will always hold a special place in my heart. My experience here has opened me up in new ways; challenged me, blessed me, and guided me on to new paths in life. I have had the opportunity to meet and work and dance with many amazing people. I have had the opportunity to travel to different parts of South America and see places I had once only dreamed about. Despite all of its challenges and differences (which most are difficult for me to identify anymore), I have loved this experience of living in Chile. Now, I am accepting the fact of leaving and genuinely anticipating returning to the States, giving everyone a huge hug, and allowing myself the comfort and security of simply being in my own country. 

I appreciate the love, support and encouragement everyone as shown me throughout my time here, more than I can put into words. Thank you for the cards, the packages, the warm thoughts and prayers. Everything always brightened my days. You know who you are and I thank you. There are several people I feel I must mention specifically, but a huge, sincere thank you goes out to everyone.

Firstly, thank you to Ellen and the HM community for the opportunity to live and serve in Chile; for the love and support you have showed during and after my service commitment. I am so grateful to have been connected to such an amazing group of people and I find comfort in knowing that even as the years pass by that will not change. In volunteering with HM in Chile, I was blessed to meet and work with many amazing, strong women. I will always remember them and what they taught me. Thank you.

Thank you to my amazing parents, Brian and Terese. There are no words to describe the depth of my love for you both. Thank you for never holding me back, and never forcing me forward. Thank you for always believing in me, and cheering me on. Thank you for being happy for me, always. Dad, I must especially thank you for always respecting me, as your daughter, your friend and as a person. Mom, you are beautiful, thank you for always reminding me the importance of patience ;-) I realize more and more every day that the love I receive from you both is unconditional and priceless. I love you both. Thank you to Paul, my brother. I never doubt that you are one of my best friends, despite our disconnectedness most of the time.  I love you.

Thank you to Gretchen, my co-volunteer, my friend. Gretchen, you are by far one of the most amazing women I have ever met. You are so strong, steadfast, honest and intelligent. You are confident in who you are and what you believe in, and I admire your ability to not be influenced by anyone. Thank you for being such a great friend during our time in Chile, for listening to me and inspiring me. You have taught me so much and I can only hope that one day I possess as much charisma and strength as you do. I prefer to not have to say goodbye to you in Chile, but I am looking forward to what the future holds for us both and our friendship! Collaborative research, perhaps? (p.s. I must also thank you for introducing me to the academy… dancing salsa really spiced things up) Thank you and I love you.

Thank you to Margaret Milne. An amazing woman. 

Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Koski and Grandma and Grandpa Thiessen. I am so lucky to have such amazing grandparents. Thank you to Debbie, I will always look up to you throughout my life. Thank you to Jeff and Barb, I respect you both very much. Thank you to Monica and Aunt Connie, for the endearing e-cards and notes of love I always received. Thank you to Aunt Mary, for always being there, and for always asking questions. Aunt Maria, thank you. Thank you to Andy, for the poems, they put a smile on my face. Thank you to Chelsi, you mean the world to me. Aunt Bonnie, thank you. Thank you to everyone in my family. For the thoughts and the love, and everything :) I love you all. 

Thank you to Bethy, Susie, Christina, Tiffany, Missy, Katie, Sarah, and Aerts. Even though distance separated us by thousands of miles, I knew you were close all the same. You are all some of my best friends and have a special place in my heart. I am so excited to see everything you all pursue and accomplish. Thank you for everything.

Thank you to all of the Americans (and Canadians) whom I have had the opportunity to work with and get to know here in Chile. Thank you for enriching my time here and being friends. You are all amazing. I am sure I will see you all again at some point in the future! Thank you to all of the Chileans I have come to know, even though I know you won’t read this, I have valued our friendship in Chile and hope I see you all again at some point.

Thank you, to all of you. All of my loved ones, all of my friends.

So, I am departing from Chile, but I realize just how lucky I am to be returning to so much love and friendship. I will come back here some day, to the beautiful country of mountains and sea. To visit, to work, to dance Salsa? I am not sure what the motives will be, but I will be looking forward to it, and I know I will have a lot of support. I know I will have a lot of support no matter where my life leads me, as I support all of you in your endeavors. Thank you and best wishes.

Chile Celebrates With Me!

Well, it happens that my birthday is a national holiday in Chile. With the 18th of September being the Day of Independence and the 19th of September the Armed Forces Day, it makes for an exciting time in Chile for me, and everyone else! If I lived here permanently, I would never have to work on my birthday hehe. 

The festivities this year began with a wonderful surprise from Gretchen on Tuesday. I came home to a room full of birthday balloons, a beautiful birthday poster, and the most wonderful birthday cake (complete with 23 candles). I am truly grateful to have such an amazing friend, and “partner in crime,” as Gretchen.

With the amazing Torta Mil Hojas (Thousand Sheets Cake?). It is layer upon layer of manjar (a carmel-like deliciousness).

The weekend turned out to be equally amazing. Monica invited me to spend it with her and the family of a friend of hers, Florita. So, Friday I went with her to Ritoque (on the Pacific Coast). Everyone was so kind and welcoming, which made me feel like family all weekend. Plus, Ritoque was the most beautiful little town right next to the sea. The following picture is of me and Monica on a beach mirador (overlook).

Friday we all shared in an incredible asado (barbecue— however, that translation isn’t the best, as barbecue sauce is never an optional condiment). I have never seen so many different types of meat on one grill! Delicious.

After we ate, we went to a neighbors’ farm to feed the ducks and chickens. The little girl is Sofia. I wish I had taken more pictures of the entire family, but I plan on spending more time with them, so hopefully there will be more opportunities!

The night of the 18th, we trekked to Viña del Mar, where most of the family lives permanently. In Viña, there is always a fireworks show, and we had an excellent view from Florita’s apartment!

I left Viña Sunday morning and spent the rest of the day alone, but it was a very nice way to spend my birthday after a weekend full of exciting activity.

Reflecting on birthdays, it’s crazy when I think about how I spent my entire 22nd year in Chile! That thought makes me miss home terribly, but it also makes me really love being in Chile, and to have had the opportunity to live here.

Thank you to everyone who made my day special. 

Chile, Happy Birthday to you, too. We celebrate together : )

It takes time, but it does happen.

Having rounded our one year anniversary of being down in Chile, I can say I am incredibly happy with the way everything is going. This year has been a crazy adventure and I know that I have grown a lot, and learned a lot more. 

I have been especially busy with different projects at EPES and Centro de la Mujer and I have been thoroughly enjoying everything. From assisting with a workshop on women, health and leadership, to starting a women’s self-help group, to collaboratively developing a Volunteer Program, to being part of planning a campaign against domestic violence, everything has been a great learning experience. The following picture was taken at EPES, it is of the group of people from different organizations that will be involved in the planning of the “Por mi, Por ti, No + Violencia” Campaign. It was a very productive meeting and I am looking forward to the events and activities that will be part of the effort.

The following picture is of a few of the teenagers I work with at Jardín Sembredor (the daycare where I have been involved with community work). I am leading sessions on HIV/AIDS there, but unfortunately last week not one of them came, so we shall see how that continues to go. The picture is of Kena, Yoci and Daniela. We were playing an HIV/AIDS game that EPES created.

It has been an incredible learning experience working with them. Also, now that I have a better handle on the language, I am able to interact with them better. As in the States, teenagers use so much slang and talk so incredibly fast. When I first started working with them, I just sat there thinking,  what the heck are you saying!? 

I have also enjoyed visiting the Sembredoras (the women’s group) when they are making bread, which they do as way to make money for the group. It is always so much fun to chat with them and they have really welcomed me as a friend. The following picture is of Edith, Jaqueline and Lala, at the nifty “oven” that is used to bake the delicious bread. The piece of metal with the fire on it (in the foreground of the picture), is placed on top of the barrel for baking.

The following picture is of Edith in her home, with the special table she made for making the dough.

It has been a pleasure to get to know them. Unfortunately, not all of them are pictured, but they are a great group of women. (Note: the pictures of making bread are from July).

Apart from volunteer activities, I also started taking Tai Chi classes at the beginning of August. I love Tai Chi. After every class, I feel so energized and relaxed, which may seem like an ironic combination. It has been a great for me to become involved with something outside of work though and meet new people. Which brings me to Salsa dancing. Gretchen has been taking Salsa classes since the beginning of June and this month, my birthday present from her was a month of Salsa! I started this past week in Salsa Casino classes and had so much fun! Huge thanks to Gretchen for the present. 

Reflecting on this year, I can really only say, ¡what an amazing adventure! When I think of all the things I have been involved with, all of the people I have come to know and everything I have learned, I know I was meant to be in Chile this year. Despite the difficulties the first few months, it was worth it. I have had an amazing time here. I have also made a best friend in Gretchen, and am extremely lucky to have her as my co-volunteer. I am really excited about my remaining months in Chile!

I now, without a doubt, understand that it really does take time to become accustomed to another culture, a new place, and a different language. It takes time, but it does happen… má o meno..

Can’t help but smile.

I believe there are some people in this world who can make anyone happy. The kind of person who puts a smile on every face, and joy in every heart. For me, one of those people is my new friend Patricio. I met Patricio back in June when I started accompanying him to physical therapy, and since then I have enjoyed my time with him tremendously. Besides the obvious physical manifestations of his condition (he is paralyzed on the right side of his body), Patricio is also unable to express himself verbally. But, he is very responsive to my questions and he loves to sing, despite the fact the lyrics are not articulated. 

Love is Patricio’s communication. Every week he teaches me that expression is so much more than words. Patricio reminds me that life is fragile; that today I may be able to walk, but tomorrow I may be confined to a bed. He reminds me that I am lucky to have what I have, and that I should be more grateful for everything. He is a strong soul, and although he and his family are very poor, he radiates joy.

The following picture is of me and him at Artesanos de la Vida (Artisans of Life), the rehabilitation center. 

It is only a few hours I spend with him every week, but I look forward to those days very much. Even if I am extremely tired, or not feeling well, I always know that he will cheer me up. He truly is an inspiration for me. Last year, Patricio was not even able to walk, now he is much more mobile and is becoming more independent. It is especially great to witness how much he has improved even since the first time I met him. 

The following picture is of the fugon (shuttle), which picks Patricio and I up from his house, and takes him back home after therapy.

Working with Patricio has been a small service project I have been involved with since coming down here, but being with him has had a huge impact on my entire experience. I am glad I have met him and I know I am going to continue to enjoy my time with him.

If you had the chance to meet him too, I am sure you wouldn’t be able to help but smile.

Old McDonald had a Farm!

Teaching English to the kids at the jardín has turned out to be one of my favorite volunteer activities! Seeing them last Monday, after having been in Peru for a couple of weeks, I realized I had actually missed them… a LOT. They are so adorable, and I have become attached to them in little ways. It has been so wonderful to see how much they have grown, and how much they have learned these past few months.

Now, Gretchen and I are teaching farm animals and we have decided that part of the lesson plan will be singing, “Old McDonald.” Friday, when we first presented the song, Gretchen and I, with Tías Nina and Adriana, were rolling with laughter. I think the kids were more entertained by our brief moments of uncontrollable inappropriateness, than by the song itself, but it was fun either way.

The following picture is of Gretchen, playing “ha llegado carta,” with the kids. This game involves yelling out that a card has arrived, to which the kids respond, “for who!?” And that is when we call up one of the little cutie pies and tell them to find a certain animal (but, this can change depending on what we are teaching). 

Nayelin, deep in thought, trying to decide which animal is actually the sheep.

Every Monday, one of the classes presents a mini-show for the rest of the children. Our hope is to have our kids act out an “Old McDonald” show on a Monday! Of course, the song will be sung in Spanish (which will present the farmer as Tío Sam, rather than Old McDonald), but all of the animals will be sung in English. Not sure how this will end up turning out, but we will be practicing!

The following picture is of this week’s show. The theme was mining, so they dressed as miners and danced to a song about minerals. 

Our Monday and Friday mornings spent at the jardín are so much fun, and I have enjoyed every minute with the kids. Well, in all honesty, I should phrase that, almost every minute, as there have been moments of frustration as well. Although I really love working with them, I know for sure I was not meant to be a teacher! But, I like to think as time goes on, I have come to accept that little kids, are just being little kids : )

¡¡E-I-E-I-O!!

Wrap it up.

Last weekend I participated in the first training course on HIV/AIDS for the Americas at the medical school of Universidad de Chile. Although it was only three days, it proved to be very comprehensive and the organization of the course was very effective (also, I had not yet been part of something, in Chile, that was so punctual!). Each day consisted of lectures and presentations from doctors, professors and other experts, with each discourse focusing on a different theme. Topics ranged from the history of AIDS and the how it has become an epidemic disease, to the mechanisms of HIV at the cellular level and the biological manifestations of AIDS. There was also emphasis on the social issues surrounding the disease (for example, privacy issues, counseling for those afflicted with the disease and the use of the condom) and the measures that need to be taken to prevent the continuing spread of the disease (for example, again, the use of the condom). 

So, from everything I learned, I am going to highlight one major point… USE A CONDOM! Condoms are multi-functional; they serve as contraceptives as well as protection against nasty infections and viruses (like HIV). It was not until I started working with EPES that I became informed about all of the health and reproductive rights issues surrounding their use. Issues such as, how it is a woman’s right for a man to use a condom, or how a couple, even if they are “in love” and have had exclusive relations for years, should always continue to use a condom, thus preventing the possible consequences of infidelity or other problems. Condoms spark many controversial issues (especially in many religions), but, as was presented in this course, there is no denying their effectiveness, when they are used correctly.

AIDS is a fascinating disease, in many respects. The most fascinating part, it is completely eradicable (even without a cure, even without a vaccine). Also, with antiretroviral therapy, it is much more controllable and those with AIDS are living much longer… we just need to stop and prevent the spread of it! So, how do we protect ourselves?

1. Use a condom.

2. Refrain from sharing syringes (actually, let’s just not do drugs).

3. Get tested.

Of course, I understand it is not that simple and I understand there are other ways to become infected. The horrors of rape, the devastation of poverty, and the lack of education and resources for most of the population of the world, make it presumably inevitable that AIDS will continue to wreck havoc on our species for many, many years to come… or, at least, until that long awaited cure is finally discovered. The most important thing we all can do, now, is educate and spread awareness about the disease and support those who suffering the harsh reality of the illness.

The course was really good though, and I am glad I participated in it; I learned an exorbitant amount of information and I was able to enhance my Spanish vocabulary. By participating, I also discovered another organization to inquire about volunteering with, called Vivo Positivo (I Live Positive). The organization is involved in prevention efforts against the disease through education, supporting and counseling those with HIV/AIDS, raising awareness about gender issues and how they relate to the spread of HIV/AIDS, and doing research in many areas surrounding the virus and the disease. It would be a great place to be involved with, especially since it is HIV/AIDS issues and prevention projects that I am looking to pursue.

Finally, to “wrap it up,” taking this course also made me really excited about going to grad school and returning to the academic setting! Of course, depending on how I did on the exam (which was ridiculously more difficult than I had been expecting), I will update you on how I continue feel about that…